Falcons: Part III

On to Merlins:

Merlin (Taiga)

Merlin (Prairie)

Birds on a Wire: Merlin

The Merlin is a small falcon about the size of the more abundant Kestrel. The Merlin winters in the Southwest and summers in Canada, while the Kestrel stays year round in the Southwest. The Merlin is most often seen (in Arizona) -- as the photo below suggests -- sitting on fence posts in desert grasslands. It feeds almost exclusively on small birds --- specifically the grassland sparrows.

Merlin

San Rafael Valley, Arizona

Well, a little catching up to do. After starting the Advent Calendar in December I made a little trip down to San Rafael Valley where some Short Eared Owls have been spotted (reported). They have been seen around sunrise which makes it difficult for me since I owe people breakfast every morning. I passed by Parker Lake where some Common and Red Breasted Mergansers had been reported. I hike a portion of the lake but didn't see any. Saw some grebes from too far away for a photo, but got a nice Great Egret in flight. But continuing on through San Rafael Valley, although no Short Eared Owls, I came across about 15 Wild Turkeys, and a Merlin who was kind enough to sit still for about 10 seconds for a photo:

Great Egret

Wild Turkey

Merlin