RE: [cobirds] Re: Fort Collins City Park on 3/15/21 Merlin

[Doug Ward]

Guys,

 

Sorry, need to back track a bit.  Took another look at Susan’s Merlin from the 
Arsenal after my own email came through, and have to agree with Nick here, 
think that bird was actually a “Taiga”, though a certainly a dark one.  Note 
how the markings on its underparts have that “warm”, brownish cast, not a 
“Black” trait.  I do think both John and Dave’s birds lean more towards the 
“Black” end of the spectrum, particularly the Fort Collis bird; the full black 
helmet mark quoted for “Black” doesn’t always hold, particularly for young 
birds.  Again, sorry for the confusion, but do enjoy this forum for these types 
of discussions.

 

Barred tail between legs,

Doug

 

From: cobirds@googlegroups.com  On Behalf Of Doug Ward
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2021 7:48 PM
To: 'Colorado Birds' 
Subject: RE: [cobirds] Re: Fort Collins City Park on 3/15/21 Merlin

 

Wanted to throw my two bits in on this Merlin discussion as I’m fortunate 
enough to get to experience both “Taiga” (Falco columbarius columbarius) and 
“Black” Merlins (F.c. suckleyi) fairly regularly.  The “Taiga” subspecies is 
the common bird we have around in North Idaho where we split time, and can say 
fairly definitively all of the photos shared here are not of typical “Taiga”s , 
but rather more closely resemble “Black”s.  “Taiga” Merlins always give a 
warmer appearance as most show reddish brown to brown markings on the 
underparts, and dark bluish grey to brown upper parts depending on age and sex. 
 “Black”s on the other hand always seem cold dark grey to sooty without much if 
any warm hues at any age – think “Harlan’s” Red-tail vibe.  There was “Black” 
Merlin one fall at the Vancouver, BC airport (apparently liked to hunt the taxi 
way used by flights to and from Seattle; saw several times) which looked very 
much like the bird Dave had up at Fort Collins City Park; given the amount of 
white and narrow streaking, thinking an immature bird.

 

While on the topic of unusual raptors, we had what was possibly an adult 
“KRIDER’S” RED-TAILED HAWK  at Huston Park (SW Denver, Denver Co.) this 
afternoon (17 Mar.’21) which would be WAY out of place, so still consternating. 
 Initially noticed as it was being harassed by a couple of antagonistic crows 
and realized how pale the bird was, so started thinking light phase “Harlan’s”. 
 However to my point above, this guy seemed “warm” colored, then when it 
finally flushed, noted pale, almost white, pinkish tail, pale head, white 
“flash” to the primary bases, well defined, though short patagial markings, and 
almost entirely white underparts save a faint rusty brown belly band – pretty 
much a Ferruginous Hawk in a Red-tail body.  Never saw it’s back well due to 
light, and couldn’t gauge pale brown vs greyish tone, so still could have been 
a “Harlan’s” or maybe a hybrid.  Will continue to consternate.

 

In any case the Merlins you guys saw are great birds for Colorado, so glad you 
are keeping the vicarious birding rolling.

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day,

Doug

Denver

 

From: cobirds@googlegroups.com <mailto:cobirds@googlegroups.com>  
mailto:cobirds@googlegroups.com> > On Behalf Of 
Nicholas Komar
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2021 12:05 PM
To: Susan Rosine mailto:u5b2mt...@gmail.com> >
Cc: Colorado Birds mailto:cobirds@googlegroups.com> >
Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: Fort Collins City Park on 3/15/21 Merlin

 

I don’t think any of the three merlins photographed in this thread qualify as 
Black (Pacific) Merlin.  Sibley depicts Bblack Merlin as having more black than 
white on underparts from chest to vent and an almost completely black helmet. I 
think these are female Taiga merlins on the dark end of the spectrum. 

 

Nick Komar

Fort Collins

On Mar 17, 2021, at 12:53 PM, Susan Rosine mailto:u5b2mt...@gmail.com> > wrote:



CORRECTION the year was 2020

Susan

Brighton 

 

On Wed, Mar 17, 2021, 12:50 PM Susan Rosine mailto:u5b2mt...@gmail.com> > wrote:

Here's a confirmed Black Merlin I photographed at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR 
(Adams County) back on April 17, 2021. Hope the photos help.

 

https://ebird.org/checklist/S67377053

 

Susan Rosine

Brighton

 

On Wed, Mar 17, 2021, 11:41 AM John Shenot mailto:johnshe...@gmail.com> > wrote:

Dave et al.,

 

I photographed a very dark Merlin a few miles from there (Prospect Ponds) in 
January that I also thought might be Pacific race, but lacking your experience 
and ID skills I was reluctant to report it as such. See photo on eBird 
checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S79421827. Maybe it's the same bird 
and it's been hanging around all winter? What's the normal range for a 
wintering Merlin?

 

John Shenot

Fort Collins, CO

On Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 10:59:09 AM UTC-6 Dave Leatherman wrote:

Yesterday at Fort Collins City Park I was checking Sheldon Lake from the 
boardwalk when a small falcon flew past carrying prey.  I tracked this bird 
down in an elm northeast of 

RE: [cobirds] Re: Fort Collins City Park on 3/15/21 Merlin

[Doug Ward]

Wanted to throw my two bits in on this Merlin discussion as I’m fortunate 
enough to get to experience both “Taiga” (Falco columbarius columbarius) and 
“Black” Merlins (F.c. suckleyi) fairly regularly.  The “Taiga” subspecies is 
the common bird we have around in North Idaho where we split time, and can say 
fairly definitively all of the photos shared here are not of typical “Taiga”s , 
but rather more closely resemble “Black”s.  “Taiga” Merlins always give a 
warmer appearance as most show reddish brown to brown markings on the 
underparts, and dark bluish grey to brown upper parts depending on age and sex. 
 “Black”s on the other hand always seem cold dark grey to sooty without much if 
any warm hues at any age – think “Harlan’s” Red-tail vibe.  There was “Black” 
Merlin one fall at the Vancouver, BC airport (apparently liked to hunt the taxi 
way used by flights to and from Seattle; saw several times) which looked very 
much like the bird Dave had up at Fort Collins City Park; given the amount of 
white and narrow streaking, thinking an immature bird.

 

While on the topic of unusual raptors, we had what was possibly an adult 
“KRIDER’S” RED-TAILED HAWK  at Huston Park (SW Denver, Denver Co.) this 
afternoon (17 Mar.’21) which would be WAY out of place, so still consternating. 
 Initially noticed as it was being harassed by a couple of antagonistic crows 
and realized how pale the bird was, so started thinking light phase “Harlan’s”. 
 However to my point above, this guy seemed “warm” colored, then when it 
finally flushed, noted pale, almost white, pinkish tail, pale head, white 
“flash” to the primary bases, well defined, though short patagial markings, and 
almost entirely white underparts save a faint rusty brown belly band – pretty 
much a Ferruginous Hawk in a Red-tail body.  Never saw it’s back well due to 
light, and couldn’t gauge pale brown vs greyish tone, so still could have been 
a “Harlan’s” or maybe a hybrid.  Will continue to consternate.

 

In any case the Merlins you guys saw are great birds for Colorado, so glad you 
are keeping the vicarious birding rolling.

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day,

Doug

Denver

 

From: cobirds@googlegroups.com  On Behalf Of Nicholas 
Komar
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2021 12:05 PM
To: Susan Rosine 
Cc: Colorado Birds 
Subject: Re: [cobirds] Re: Fort Collins City Park on 3/15/21 Merlin

 

I don’t think any of the three merlins photographed in this thread qualify as 
Black (Pacific) Merlin.  Sibley depicts Bblack Merlin as having more black than 
white on underparts from chest to vent and an almost completely black helmet. I 
think these are female Taiga merlins on the dark end of the spectrum. 

 

Nick Komar

Fort Collins



On Mar 17, 2021, at 12:53 PM, Susan Rosine  wrote:



CORRECTION the year was 2020

Susan

Brighton 

 

On Wed, Mar 17, 2021, 12:50 PM Susan Rosine mailto:u5b2mt...@gmail.com> > wrote:

Here's a confirmed Black Merlin I photographed at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR 
(Adams County) back on April 17, 2021. Hope the photos help.

 

https://ebird.org/checklist/S67377053

 

Susan Rosine

Brighton

 

On Wed, Mar 17, 2021, 11:41 AM John Shenot mailto:johnshe...@gmail.com> > wrote:

Dave et al.,

 

I photographed a very dark Merlin a few miles from there (Prospect Ponds) in 
January that I also thought might be Pacific race, but lacking your experience 
and ID skills I was reluctant to report it as such. See photo on eBird 
checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S79421827. Maybe it's the same bird 
and it's been hanging around all winter? What's the normal range for a 
wintering Merlin?

 

John Shenot

Fort Collins, CO

On Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 10:59:09 AM UTC-6 Dave Leatherman wrote:

Yesterday at Fort Collins City Park I was checking Sheldon Lake from the 
boardwalk when a small falcon flew past carrying prey.  I tracked this bird 
down in an elm northeast of the lake and discovered a very dark Merlin eating 
what I think was a mostly headless European Starling (blackish bird with 
speckles and long pink legs with giant pink feet).  As with accipiters, 
apparently the sweetbreads get consumed first.

 

I am thinking this is a dark (Pacific) subspecies, which I've only seen a 
couple times in Colorado.  Any comments on whether it is a Pacific vs. Taiga 
welcome.  I definitely don't think this individual is our typical Prairie 
subspecies.

 

  

 

 

   

 

The storm seems to have pushed a good number of Cassin's Finches into the City 
Park/Grandview Cemetery area.  The Spotted Towhee (two of them) that have 
wintered in the block of neighborhood east of the cemetery are singing off and 
on.  Big infusion of robins of late.  Tree damage has been significant but the 
moisture will soon create 6-foot-tall daffodils I suspect.

 

As an aside, I was told my presentation given recently to Fort Collins Audubon 
Society about the cemetery was recorded and put on YouTube.  For anyone 
interested who was unable to

Re: [cobirds] Re: Fort Collins City Park on 3/15/21 Merlin

[Nicholas Komar]

I don’t think any of the three merlins photographed in this thread qualify as 
Black (Pacific) Merlin.  Sibley depicts Bblack Merlin as having more black than 
white on underparts from chest to vent and an almost completely black helmet. I 
think these are female Taiga merlins on the dark end of the spectrum. 

Nick Komar
Fort Collins
> On Mar 17, 2021, at 12:53 PM, Susan Rosine  wrote:
> 
> 
> CORRECTION the year was 2020
> Susan
> Brighton 
> 
> 
>> On Wed, Mar 17, 2021, 12:50 PM Susan Rosine  wrote:
>> Here's a confirmed Black Merlin I photographed at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR 
>> (Adams County) back on April 17, 2021. Hope the photos help.
>> 
>> https://ebird.org/checklist/S67377053
>> 
>> Susan Rosine
>> Brighton
>> 
>>> On Wed, Mar 17, 2021, 11:41 AM John Shenot  wrote:
>>> Dave et al.,
>>> 
>>> I photographed a very dark Merlin a few miles from there (Prospect Ponds) 
>>> in January that I also thought might be Pacific race, but lacking your 
>>> experience and ID skills I was reluctant to report it as such. See photo on 
>>> eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S79421827. Maybe it's the 
>>> same bird and it's been hanging around all winter? What's the normal range 
>>> for a wintering Merlin?
>>> 
>>> John Shenot
>>> Fort Collins, CO
>>> 
 On Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 10:59:09 AM UTC-6 Dave Leatherman wrote:
 Yesterday at Fort Collins City Park I was checking Sheldon Lake from the 
 boardwalk when a small falcon flew past carrying prey.  I tracked this 
 bird down in an elm northeast of the lake and discovered a very dark 
 Merlin eating what I think was a mostly headless European Starling 
 (blackish bird with speckles and long pink legs with giant pink feet).  As 
 with accipiters, apparently the sweetbreads get consumed first.
 
 I am thinking this is a dark (Pacific) subspecies, which I've only seen a 
 couple times in Colorado.  Any comments on whether it is a Pacific vs. 
 Taiga welcome.  I definitely don't think this individual is our typical 
 Prairie subspecies.
 
   
 
 

 
 The storm seems to have pushed a good number of Cassin's Finches into the 
 City Park/Grandview Cemetery area.  The Spotted Towhee (two of them) that 
 have wintered in the block of neighborhood east of the cemetery are 
 singing off and on.  Big infusion of robins of late.  Tree damage has been 
 significant but the moisture will soon create 6-foot-tall daffodils I 
 suspect.
 
 As an aside, I was told my presentation given recently to Fort Collins 
 Audubon Society about the cemetery was recorded and put on YouTube.  For 
 anyone interested who was unable to attend live, go to the FCAS website 
 for access details.
 
 Dave Leatherman
 Fort Collins
>>> 
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Re: [cobirds] Re: Fort Collins City Park on 3/15/21 Merlin

[Susan Rosine]

CORRECTION the year was 2020
Susan
Brighton


On Wed, Mar 17, 2021, 12:50 PM Susan Rosine  wrote:

> Here's a confirmed Black Merlin I photographed at Rocky Mountain Arsenal
> NWR (Adams County) back on April 17, 2021. Hope the photos help.
>
> https://ebird.org/checklist/S67377053
>
> Susan Rosine
> Brighton
>
> On Wed, Mar 17, 2021, 11:41 AM John Shenot  wrote:
>
>> Dave et al.,
>>
>> I photographed a very dark Merlin a few miles from there (Prospect Ponds)
>> in January that I also thought might be Pacific race, but lacking your
>> experience and ID skills I was reluctant to report it as such. See photo on
>> eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S79421827. Maybe it's
>> the same bird and it's been hanging around all winter? What's the normal
>> range for a wintering Merlin?
>>
>> John Shenot
>> Fort Collins, CO
>>
>> On Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 10:59:09 AM UTC-6 Dave Leatherman wrote:
>>
>>> Yesterday at Fort Collins City Park I was checking Sheldon Lake from the
>>> boardwalk when a small falcon flew past carrying prey.  I tracked this bird
>>> down in an elm northeast of the lake and discovered a very dark Merlin
>>> eating what I think was a mostly headless European Starling (blackish bird
>>> with speckles and long pink legs with giant pink feet).  As with
>>> accipiters, apparently the sweetbreads get consumed first.
>>>
>>> I am thinking this is a dark (Pacific) subspecies, which I've only seen
>>> a couple times in Colorado.  Any comments on whether it is a Pacific vs.
>>> Taiga welcome.  I definitely don't think this individual is our typical
>>> Prairie subspecies.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> The storm seems to have pushed a good number of Cassin's Finches into
>>> the City Park/Grandview Cemetery area.  The Spotted Towhee (two of them)
>>> that have wintered in the block of neighborhood east of the cemetery are
>>> singing off and on.  Big infusion of robins of late.  Tree damage has been
>>> significant but the moisture will soon create 6-foot-tall daffodils I
>>> suspect.
>>>
>>> As an aside, I was told my presentation given recently to Fort Collins
>>> Audubon Society about the cemetery was recorded and put on YouTube.  For
>>> anyone interested who was unable to attend live, go to the FCAS website for
>>> access details.
>>>
>>> Dave Leatherman
>>> Fort Collins
>>>
>> --
>> --
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>> Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
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>> For more options, visit this group at
>> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en
>> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city.
>> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate
>> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/
>> ---
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>> 
>> .
>>
>

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Re: [cobirds] Re: Fort Collins City Park on 3/15/21 Merlin

[Susan Rosine]

Here's a confirmed Black Merlin I photographed at Rocky Mountain Arsenal
NWR (Adams County) back on April 17, 2021. Hope the photos help.

https://ebird.org/checklist/S67377053

Susan Rosine
Brighton

On Wed, Mar 17, 2021, 11:41 AM John Shenot  wrote:

> Dave et al.,
>
> I photographed a very dark Merlin a few miles from there (Prospect Ponds)
> in January that I also thought might be Pacific race, but lacking your
> experience and ID skills I was reluctant to report it as such. See photo on
> eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S79421827. Maybe it's
> the same bird and it's been hanging around all winter? What's the normal
> range for a wintering Merlin?
>
> John Shenot
> Fort Collins, CO
>
> On Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 10:59:09 AM UTC-6 Dave Leatherman wrote:
>
>> Yesterday at Fort Collins City Park I was checking Sheldon Lake from the
>> boardwalk when a small falcon flew past carrying prey.  I tracked this bird
>> down in an elm northeast of the lake and discovered a very dark Merlin
>> eating what I think was a mostly headless European Starling (blackish bird
>> with speckles and long pink legs with giant pink feet).  As with
>> accipiters, apparently the sweetbreads get consumed first.
>>
>> I am thinking this is a dark (Pacific) subspecies, which I've only seen a
>> couple times in Colorado.  Any comments on whether it is a Pacific vs.
>> Taiga welcome.  I definitely don't think this individual is our typical
>> Prairie subspecies.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> The storm seems to have pushed a good number of Cassin's Finches into the
>> City Park/Grandview Cemetery area.  The Spotted Towhee (two of them) that
>> have wintered in the block of neighborhood east of the cemetery are singing
>> off and on.  Big infusion of robins of late.  Tree damage has been
>> significant but the moisture will soon create 6-foot-tall daffodils I
>> suspect.
>>
>> As an aside, I was told my presentation given recently to Fort Collins
>> Audubon Society about the cemetery was recorded and put on YouTube.  For
>> anyone interested who was unable to attend live, go to the FCAS website for
>> access details.
>>
>> Dave Leatherman
>> Fort Collins
>>
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> 
> .
>

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