Raptor Wednesday

Nest 2 male just after taking a morning bath. There should be nestlings by now in the nest across the street from this perch.

The same day, I ran into a Merlin. This is the first one I’ve ever seen in May. I wonder if this one is breeding locally? That would be news. Unlike cavity-nesting Kestrels, Merlins use stick nests, but not ones they make themselves. They recycle the nests of crows, ravens, hawks, etc. Another thing to look out for.