[TN-Bird] New yard bird: Merlin

From: "Scott Somershoe" <Scott.Somershoe@xxxxxx>
To: <tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:39:45 -0500
While working in the back yard (Smyrna, Rutherford Co) late this afternoon, I 
happened to look up and see a dove going in one direction and a "funny looking 
Coopers Hawk" fly directly over me.  I see Coops all the time, but this bird 
just wasn't right for an accipiter.  Amazingly it perched in the next yard at 
the top of the tallest tree, gave me time to decide it most certainly wasn't an 
accipiter.  I thought the characteristics were right for a Merlin, but why 
would I ever see a merlin in my yard?  I ran and got my binocs and confirmed 
Merlin!  I ran inside (again, far end of the house) and got my camera and it 
stayed put for a couple more minutes, allowing me to get 50+ shots, incl flight 
shots as it took off and dive bombed something across the street.

For anyone interested, here is a link to a few of the best shots:
http://www.pbase.com/shoeman/merlin_in_smyrna_tn

Great way to end 5 hours of yard work!

Great yard-birding,
Scott Somershoe

State Ornithologist
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
P.O. Box 40747
Nashville, TN 37204
615-781-6653 (o)
615-781-6654 (fax)

www.tnwatchablewildlife.org
www.pbase.com/shoeman
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[TN-Bird] New yard bird: Merlin

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