The Maple Leaf Merlin kids were seen in the 1st-year (2008) neighborhood (Victory Hts.) a couple of nights ago by Adrian and Linda. They stopped briefly and perched in their big deodar cedar in the front - just like old times. Also they are seeing feathers again, strewn around their yard, including some Steller's Jay ones !!! The Steller's Jay would be a bit large for a Merlin, so maybe a Cooper's hawk or something else got that. Not sure if Adrian said they were very vocal - I suspect not much anymore. Guess the kids are learning to hunt and checking out Dad's territory... Dad (Thor) and/or Mom (Spike) may still be hanging out near the juveniles, for some last-chance training and touring or to provide more food assistance before the juveniles are really on their own and make their way to potential sites for themselves.

The occasional appearance of Merlins (particularly young ones), is likely to be going on in all the urban Merlin territories now, so don't give up on still seeing some. There tends to be an intermingling of young Merlins from all around the area now, too, as well as a temporary increase in the numbers of small birds - fall migration has started, so that will bring a lot more prey potential through our neighborhoods and parks for awhile. Your birdbaths may attract a Merlin, a rooftop may prove to be a good site for a sunning, or a gravel parking strip may host a dustbathing Merlin. As the fall approaches, you will not often be hearing the Merlins singing (?!), and will just have to depend on recognizing a familiar silhouette either up in a tree, or speeding through the air.

The female young (and adult), may migrate a little ways away, like to another coastal spot or state, but they and others, will return closer to their natal home after a few months, to find a mate or just hang out in the area for another nesting season. On the average, courtship will begin again in late winter, nest selection (use of a new crow or hawk nest) will occur by April, eggs will be laid by May, hatching by early June and fledging by early July, if things go well, that is. Yes, the mortality rate of the young is high (over 50%) and things like weather, availability of good nests, ample prey, water and tall conifers, will always be limiting factors for future nesting success for this species in our human habitats. They've certainly done well so far around Puget Sound and have adapted very well to us and our ways. The Merlin carrying capacity of our region is yet to be filled, but the numbers are increasing nicely. Maybe your neighborhood will be lucky enough to host a Merlin family next spring.

Keep looking up for these little falcons and prepare to be thrilled. :-)

Kee-kee-kee,

Barb

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