Falco columbarius
October 20, 1994: Everglades, Broward County, FL
Saw two Merlins while air boating through the Phase 3 Area (northern section). The bird was identified by one of my companions, Chris (who is an ornithologist).
January 1, 1995: Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Palm Beach, FL
January 15, 1995: Florida Keys, Monroe County, FL
Saw this gorgeous bird at the Florida Keys National Seashore park. This lone bird was sitting atop a pole along the gulf-coast bay beach. I was able to study it for several minutes before it flew away. (It was either a female, or a juvenile – a brown-colored bird).
December 27, 1996: Buena Vista Recreation Area, Kern County, CA
It certainly was a great day for birds of prey! This bird was perched in a tree near the lake, and was very patient as I snuck closer and closer to get a really good look. In fact, I never did flush it – when I’d had a good look, I continued on my way, leaving the bird in peace.
December 30, 1997: San Rafael Grasslands, Santa Cruz County, AZ
(Falco columbarius richardsonii) Another wonderful raptor out on the prairie. This bird was definitely not a kestrel: brown back, lightly streaked underneath, lack of facial markings. We were able to study this cooperative bird for a couple of minutes – it only flushed when we came too close for comfort. Definitely lighter than the usual Merlin, this was apparently one of the lighter desert variety. A wonderful sighting!
Let me know what you think!