Merlins

A few years past a pair of Merlins decided to make my neighbourhood their home. At the time they were uncommon in this town. I believe a reason for their settlement was the bountiful birds residing over winter. It was a feast for them, especially the plump Mourning Doves that overran every ones bird feeders.

Merlins are small Falcons, fierce when chasing prey, but o so elegant at rest on a fence or a tall tree limb; even soaring on wind currents. They soon became a species I was scanning the sky for sight of them and to hear their screeching cries when on the hunt. They are a beautiful rarity in my town.

This year I was thrilled to find them take residence in the wild wood of my summer home in the centre of my town. Soon after discovering the parents had nested, I saw their babes had hatched and was privileged to watch the four young ones become adults. One at a time they would leave the nest escorted by their parents to learn how to find food. They soared and swept the property clearing the gardens of mole and mouse.

During this summer I continued to seek them if only to hear their cry and was never disappointed. They are still on site, for now, but I won’t forget how regal they looked perched on high while waiting their opportunity to take flight with their parents.

Of course the photo was taken just after Babe 1 had left the nest. Its three other siblings were left waiting. Timing is everything. ~sigh~