Today Kim McCormick and birded a small section of the Snoqualmie Valley, north of Fall City. We were looking for a Merlin which I believe to be a male Richardson's (prairie) Merlin. I had seen this bird on 02.21.11 near the north (closed) end of Neal Road, just north of Fall City. Today at this location, instead of the Merlin, we observed a small group of CANADA GEESE. Included in the group was an individual that appeared to have a solid black head. Later, photos revealed a hint of a chin strap.

Next we drove along Neal Road, where there was a male Taiga Merlin. We continued our search. A short while later, just off of Hwy 203, only 2 miles to the north, was a female Taiga Merlin. Three different Merlins in a short span of time, all within 2 miles of each other made us wonder if these birds have been overwintering, or whether they could possibly be on the move.

Finally, we made a quick stop at the Monroe prison farm pond south of Monroe, where the Sandhill Crane continues.

Photo links to Merlins and the odd goose below.


http://www.pbase.com/marvbreece/image/133018763 Canada Goose 03.07.11
http://www.pbase.com/marvbreece/image/132830081 Male Richardson's (Prairie) Merlin 02.21.11
http://www.pbase.com/marvbreece/image/133018765 Male Taiga (Boreal) Merlin 03.07.11
http://www.pbase.com/marvbreece/image/133018764 Female Taiga (Boreal) Melrin 03.07.11


Marv Breece
Seattle, WA
mbreece at earthlink.net