Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Backyard Birding => Topic started by: Laineypie on November 04, 2012, 12:22:38 AM

Title: Merlin on patio fence - South Humber/South Kingsway area
Post by: Laineypie on November 04, 2012, 12:22:38 AM

Got a good view of a robust male Merlin on my patio fence yesterday.  Under a nearby tree, the feathered remains of a pigeon.  Are Merlins common in TO?

Title: Re: Merlin on patio fence - South Humber/South Kingsway area
Post by: lovemypt on November 04, 2012, 07:54:57 AM

There was one at Col Sam. park that stayed all winter , 2 years ago

Title: Re: Merlin on patio fence - South Humber/South Kingsway area
Post by: John Bacon on November 04, 2012, 10:47:47 PM

I had one eat a starling in my back yard in the Malvern area.  That was over ten years ago.

Title: Re: Merlin on patio fence - South Humber/South Kingsway area
Post by: Pat Hodgson on November 05, 2012, 09:25:37 AM

Merlins are probably best described as uncommon in Toronto.  Fall is the best time to see them.  They are increasing on a provincial level.

Title: Re: Merlin on patio fence - South Humber/South Kingsway area
Post by: Leslie on November 09, 2012, 10:20:23 AM

Yesterday at about 5:00 I saw a bird with a long tail and pointed wings.  It was at about St. Cecelia's church (Annette & Pacific, north of High Park) and flew north west.  It had a red-orange underside (in the setting sun, of course).  I thought "falcon."  I thought "excess enthusiasm."  It flew with bursts of wing beats--do falcons do that?

Title: Re: Merlin on patio fence - South Humber/South Kingsway area
Post by: thouc on November 09, 2012, 04:47:03 PM

The red-orange underside indicates a Sharp-shinned or Cooper's Hawk.

Title: Re: Merlin on patio fence - South Humber/South Kingsway area
Post by: Leslie on November 12, 2012, 12:46:00 PM

Good to know--thanks.