Subject: [Tweeters] Merlin pairs starting to be active around their nest
Date: Apr 18 18:22:23 2015
From: Barbara Deihl - barbdeihl at comcast.net


Some of you may notice some high-flying, noticeably loud-calling small falcons engaging in some of their usual courtship displays and actions. There have been quite a few found and watched in the Puget Sound suburban neighborhoods in the past couple of years, and there will likely be a bunch this year, unless the "warm blob" weather or other factors have thrown them for a loop. I've recently had some people contact me about some in their neighborhoods and I look forward to seeing some of these birds throughout the nesting season.

Look up and cock your ears for these fantastic birds and let me know if you find any. Please, however, do not post precise locations on Tweeters or eBird, particularly out of respect for the residents in those neighborhoods, and also out of respect for birding ethics about some raptor nest disclosures... I'm still working to achieve a balance of sharing and keeping some things to myself, especially after last winter's owl issues. I will go to a few Merlin sites each year (mostly in and near Seattle), and do enjoy sharing views of the Merlins and information I have gathered over my 7 years of volunteering as a "Neighborhood Liaison" for the Merlins in the general Seattle area. It's very gratifying and seems appreciated by quite a few folks (and children), be they birders, nature-o-philes or merely curious passersby.

You, too can contribute to an awareness of these amazing little birds of prey in our midst... Hope to hear from you...

Kee kee kee !


Barb Deihl
Matthews Beach Neighborhood - NE Seattle
barbdeihl at comcast.net