Hi Tweets,

I'll try to get this in before the oncoming thunderstorm hits.

Came home from work this evening to see a Merlin Falco columbarius--rather
unusual for Vancouver BC in summer--a ratty male Black-type showing
golden-yellow feet but dirty grey underparts with some barring on the flanks
as some of the adult plumage is coming through. It was preening atop a tree
at the corner of West First & Alma Street in the extreme NW section of the
Kitsilano district.

While I was checking out its plumage, I heard a Common Nighthawk Chordeiles
minor, likewise scarce here, flying over at great height.

Not a pair of species usually found together at sea level here in summer.

(And, far away, the thunder continues to mutter to itself. Time to crack a
beer, put up my feet and watch the show.)

Michael Price
Vancouver BC Canada
mprice at mindlink.net