Hi Jason, and all,
I had the pleasure of watching a Merlin (likely the same individual) over a
period of many winters in Silver Spring, inside the beltway. This was
between November through around the end of April. The same bird came back several
winters in a row, and would roost in a large spruce tree across from my shop.
I watched it hunt and it usually perched on the top snag of the spruce tree,
always coming in to roost just before dusk (so the time varied ). But I also
noticed that it would perch there during the day particularly on rainy or
heavily overcast days (ie, gray days like today). It also seemed to hunt just as
it was turning dark (many House sparrows!). SO I would look for your Merlin
continuously throughout this month, especially during overcast or rainy
periods, looking on the tallest snags in the area.
Rick Sussman
Woodbine, MD
In a message dated 4/6/2009 9:15:35 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:
Made it out to the park for a short walk this morning before the heavier
rain started. The reward was a MERLIN perched at the top of the hill. It had
female/immature plumage (I am guessing Merlins take more than one year to
reach adult plumage, but I don't really know that--anyone?), and if I had to
hazard a guess, I would guess it was a female (it seemed on the large side).
It remained there the entire time I was in the park, up until a few minutes
ago (though as I'm writing, I suspect it may have finally decided to move out
of the rain).
No other birds of note, perhaps because of both the rain and the baleful eye
of the Merlin watching everything. A single sparrow flushed off the grass
and flew away farther than usual, so I couldn't tell whether it was a Chipping
or yesterday's Savannah.
Jason Waanders
**************Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? Make dinner for $10 or
less. (http://food.aol.com/frugal-feasts?ncid=emlcntusfood00000001) |