I still can't believe it. A full grown male MERLIN perched outside
my office window today! Right in front of me!

At least I *think* it was a male Merlin. He was DEFINITELY a falcon,
about 10" - 12", bigger than a kestral. Blue-gray above (not dark or big
enough to be a peregrine), lighter below, streak marks under the eyes were
not as apparent as other falcon species. The eye markings were a blended
color, not as striking difference as, say, a peregrine.

He must have known I was watching him because he looked me in the eye for
about 15 seconds, and then flew off. I was so dissapointed! I didn't
have enough time to get more distinguishing marks on him before he flew
off. But looking at my Stokes Guide, I definitely think he was a Merlin.
That was SO cool!!!!

Check out http://www.hawk-conservancy.org/priors/merlin.htm. The second
photo (at the bottom) is what I saw.

-Jacki Bricker
at work in Belleuve, Washington
(On Northup, next to 520 and near Bellevue Way)

"Still reeling from my first confirmed wild falcon sighting, while at my
desk, yet!"