Merlin on patio fence - South Humber/South Kingsway area

[Laineypie]

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?

[lovemypt]

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

[John Bacon]

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

[Pat Hodgson]

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

[Leslie]

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?

[thouc]

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

[Leslie]

Good to know--thanks.