Fledgling Merlin in the ‘hood
Merlins are small falcons that typically pass through here during migration. However, there are a few that we’ve seen during the winter. And in the last 15 years, one or two pairs have started nesting in Broome County, my home county. I was surprised to find out this week that there is a pair that had nested in a residential neighborhood only one mile from my house. And all had fledged about three weeks ago. The homeowners were gracious to allow us access to their backyard. And we made a plan to go out this morning, at our first opportunity. All was quiet when we arrived, but minutes later we heard the familiar call of begging fledglings. Three or four of them came in and perched on a nearby rooftop and high in the trees, allowing us occasional glimpses. I can’t think of a better way to kick off a weekend. July 15, 2017
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View the blog “Cold Lunch” about a Merlin one cold winter’s day