Hi Jim,
 Just a follow-up question. Was the bird perched on the chimney? Above the surrounding area, right? Merlins seem to like to perch in the open, on a high, exposed perch. Sharpies and Cooper's would more likely perch lower with some surrounding cover from which to hunt. Also, I have noticed the "facial mask" is not always apparent or obvious in the Merlin,especially at a distance (not as apparent as say a Peregrine or Kestrel). And on days like today (rainy/overcast) I would look for it again in the area, as they really do seem to like to stay perched for a long time  in weather like this.


Rick Sussman
Woobine,MD



-----Original Message-----
From: MICHAEL SPEICHER <>
To: 
Sent: Sun, Dec 13, 2009 11:20 am
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Possible Merlin in Jefferson (FRED Co) MD


Yesterday at about 3pm.  As usual, i'm not exactly certain of my ID.  My notes 
how the following:
Seen only in profile
ark eye, bill, and back
ight legs
anded tail - did not notice length of wings in relation to tail
ight underparts - what i could see of them from a side view
o facial mask apparent
From the back of the Jefferson post office lot looking east (i.e. back towards 
own) is a whitewashed chimney on a single story house.  The bird was perched 
here.  I guess it's possible that this is a favored hangout, or not.  I 
bserved it for 15 to 20 minutes.
Around the homesite at the feeders are
hite crowned & throated Sp
ouse Sp
 Cardinals
itmice
ew Goldfinches
ew Juncos
Should have some woodpeckers to report, but have yet to put out the suet.
Jim (Michael) Speicher
road Run area in S FRED Co