[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]
Posted by Colin Gjervold on 15:42:14 06/28/04
Yesterday morning (Sunday June 27th) Justin Rink and myself were driving down Highway 1 towards Key West after a successful pelagic the previous day out of Marathon (thanks again Larry for a fun trip!).
Anyways, as we were cruising down Big Pine Key (at Key Deer friendly speeds of course) I looked up at the powerline and noticed a Merlin. I didn't think much of it at first, but I mentioned to Justin that I just saw a Merlin up on the wire...to what he appropriately responded "Merlin?!?"
I guess recently moving down from Minnesota where Merlins are fairly readily nesting in many cities including Minneapolis and St Paul I didn't think too much about what a Merlin would be doing in the lower keys in late June.
So, we turned around and quickly relocated the bird on the powerline along Highway 1 at MM 31.5 across from St. Peter Church.
Justin was able to videotape the bird and I got a few digital photographs. The Merlin appeared to be a female of the "Taiga" race. The bird was definately capable of flight and appeared healthy enough as it took wing and flew directly over our head to land in a pine across the street next to the church.
Hopefully I can put up a photo from other Justin or myself when we get a chance to download them.
Take it easy,
Colin
[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]