Yesterday and again this morning early a subadult/female Merlin was hanging out at the south corner of the water conservation district awesome dog-walking field along the Sandy River off Rt. 4. Yesterday it perched placidly and allowed a close approach. Today it was vocalizing and displaying rowdily in the same spot. The behavior is reminiscent of the young urban Merlins in South Portland. Also yesterday evening I heard a Merlin vocalize outside my apartment in town. Are Merlins nesting in Farmington also?
Meanwhile, just yards from the Merlin's display perch what should be loitering in the path but a daft Chukar?! Tashi still hasn't forgiven me for not letting him tear it apart — it didn't toddle off until we were practically on top of it. What "sport" could there possibly be in shooting a bird that you could scoop up with a shopping bag?
Peace & good birding,
Scott Cronenweth
Farmington, ME
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