Last year, the Maple Leaf Merlin young fledged on June 27 - looks like this year's five will at least start today, but in the Pinehurst, not Maple Leaf neighborhood. Spike and Thor are still the parents. You are welcome to show up to watch - I and a couple others with scopes will be over there this afternoon and likely frequently in the next few weeks. Details of the location and some suggestions can be acquired from me off-list.

There are 2 other local Merlin nesting scenes that I have been following - in Wedgwood & Shoreline. Those clutches are just getting to the branching stage, but will be fledging within the next 5-7 days, I think (don't know for sure). If you are interested in seeing any of those Merlins, I will also give directions and info on the sites, if you email me.

The best site for viewing so far, is the Shoreline one - next is now the Pinehurst one, and Wedgwood is running a close third, but that may change once the kids step out of the nest.

Hope that you can make it for at least one of these exciting "launches". Scopes are extremely helpful, but binoculars will be good once the young are in motion and moving from perch to sky to perch.

This is becoming a regular Seattle tradition - it's the 6th year we have been watching our "suburban" Merlin families ! Come join the fun!


Barb Deihl

North Matthews Beach - NE Seattle

barbdeihl at comcast.net