With regard to the Marv's Canada, I took photos of a pair of similar geese
last September on Neal Road.



http://www.flickr.com/photos/good_birds_to_you/sets/72157624809139579/



The Marv's bird seem to have less white than either of mine.



Pete Fahey

Issaquah, WA





From: tweeters-bounces at mailman2.u.washington.edu
[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman2.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Marv Breece
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 7:48 PM
To: Tweeters
Subject: [Tweeters] King Co Merlins



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