As I was leaving the laundromat on Virginia Avenue where we do our laundry,
I noticed a small, non-descript looking raptor perched atop the tree behind
the parking lot. I just stared at it a while, not able to place what I was
looking at. I soon realized I ought to grab by binocular and check it out.
Of course, as soon as I did this it took flight, with fairly powerful and
swift wing beats. Finally, I realized I had a MERLIN in South Cumberland! I
finally got on the bird with the binocular as it was circling higher and saw
the crispness of its falcon outline complete with pointed wings. I last saw
the bird heading southwest toward WV. This makes me wonder if doing laundry
isn't so bad after all.

Good birding,

David

-- 
David Yeany II
Graduate Assistant
207 Compton Science Center
Department of Biology
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD 21532
Office: 301-687-7080