Friendly Merlin

We are waiting to see if the American Kestrel box at Stratford Point hosts a family this year. A female has been hanging around but we have not spotted a male for some time. This Merlin was the only falcon present a few days ago. It was very friendly, allowing me to walk right up to it since I was slow, quiet, and alone. Too bad they don't nest here because they seem to enjoy the coastal grasslands even more than the kestrels at times.







Photos © Scott Kruitbosch