Merlin: Connecticut Audubon Society Bird Finder for January 8, 2015

Merlin
Falco columbarius

Among the birds that Andy Rzeznikiewicz, sanctuary manager at our northeastern Connecticut sanctuaries, encountered during a recent bird walk in Plainfield, was a Merlin, one of three falcons species you can expect to see regularly in Connecticut. He chose it as his bird of the week. Here’s his account.

What it looks like: The Merlin is a small falcon about the same size as the American Kestrel, except a bit stockier. Merlins have pointed wings, a medium-length tail, and a streaked dark appearance. The males are slaty-gray to dark gray; the females and immature birds are browner in appearance. Their moustache is not very prominent, unlike in Peregrine Falcons.

Where to find it: The Merlin frequents open areas such as marshes, beaches, and large fields. They nest mainly in Canada and most migrate through Connecticut to winter further south. Some do winter in southern Connecticut, mainly along the coast. They hunt by coming in low and fast into flocks of birds and chasing them higher in the sky to tire them out. They also, spend a lot of time perched at the top of a prominent tree scanning for prey. Merlins are very unpredictable in where they will appear. You usually see one when you least expect it and it is often a quick look since they are usually flying fast in pursuit of prey.

How to find it: I’ve seen two Merlins in the past week in northeastern Connecticut. One was at the Quinebaug Fish Hatchery in Palinfield and the other at Connecticut Audubon Society’s Center at Pomfret, behind the center building. Look carefully at the tops of the large hickory trees to the west of the center; it’s been observed perching in that location. Other potentially good places to find them include coastal locations such as our Milford Point Coastal Center as well as Hammonasset Beach State Park.

What if the bird isn’t there? At the Pomfret center, two Northern Harriers and a couple of Red-tailed Hawks have been regulars, feeding around the large nearby fields. American Tree Sparrows, Northern Mockingbirds, and Cedar Waxwings can be found in the hedgerows. Check the flocks of bluebirds carefully for the Pine Warbler that is wintering with them. Also, check the large trees in the front of the center for the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. At the hatchery, various species of wintering ducks could be found in the ponds that don’t freeze.

Conservation Status: The Merlin population appears to be stable or slightly increasing. They are now reported to be nesting in some cities, taking advantage of starlings and house sparrows. They now breed in upstate New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The banning of DDT also has contributed their increase.

This week’s Connecticut Audubon Society Bird Finder was written by Andy Rzeznikiewicz, sanctuary manager at our Pomfret and Trail Wood sanctuaries, and edited by Tom Andersen.

Photo by Alan D. Wilson, Carolinabirds.org.