Subject: [Tweeters] Edison MERLIN - YES! - With Photograph
Date: Feb 25 22:27:57 2011
From: Raymond Parsons - rayshome1 at hotmail.com



Thanks to the folks that responded to my request for information regarding the MERLIN in Edison.

I was able to travel to Bow-Edison this afternoon, and after some searching, came across the MERLIN near the intersection of Ewings Ct and Maccoys Ct in Edison. The bird was perched at the top of a very tall evergreen tree and I measured the distance at about 200 feet from the ground to the Merlin using my camera lens.

While I was able to get a photograph, it's not what I was hoping for - the MERLIN is simply too high up in the tree, so the angle is very steep. I watched the MERLIN leave the tree several times in an attempt to hunt down food, but I never saw it return with any.

Photograph here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rparsons/5477744749/

Aside from the MERLIN, I came across a PEREGRINE FALCON eating an afternoon meal off Baview-Edison Rd that seemed photograph worthy.

Photograph here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rparsons/5477754381/

The usual raptors that traffic the Samish Flats could be found today:

Numerous BALD EAGLES in a variety of locations (including adults and juveniles)
Numerous RED-TAILED HAWKs in a variety of locations
A few NORTHERN HARRIERs including a male off Sunset Rd
A SHORT-EARED OWL near the WDFW parking lot
A PEREGRINE FALCON off Bayview-Edison Rd

Thanks again,

Raymond Parsons
Issaquah, WA
rayshome1 AT hotmail.com