Possible Merlin Working Poultry Yard

[centrarchid]

I am seeing what appears to be an immature Merlin hunting starlings in and around barn. Trying to confirm ID. I thought is was an American Kestrel but it flies too indirect, almost like a Sharp-shinned Hawk. It may have damaged foot or leg.

 

[Trish1974]

I am seeing what appears to be an immature Merlin hunting starlings in and around barn. Trying to confirm ID. I thought is was an American Kestrel but it flies too indirect, almost like a Sharp-shinned Hawk. It may have damaged foot or leg.

Small hawk i.d. makes me cross-eyed. Even with good identification books its frustrating.

 

[centrarchid]

It is a falcon making so only two species in contention. Similar size is a pain. Bird looks too brown on breast without red hue elsewhere typical of a female kestrel.

 

[Howard E]

Can't help you ID the merlin, but I wish whatever it is best of luck on the starlings!!!

(I had 4 get into the Woods house yesterday......sadly none of them broke their necks flying into the wire on the open front).

 

[centrarchid]

It is a Merlin. Hard to ID with binoculars my kids have been playing with. Lucky to even find barn with them. I have close to a hundred starlings. They are eating feed and crapping on everything.

Merlin landed on a small tree among poultry pens. A game pullet got all balled up and went after the falcon chasing the little bird off. Coopers feel same love from all the games which is likely why starlings are fairly safe in barn. Dog makes so game pullets / hens can be out 24/7 and game pullets / hens make so starlings are safe. Certainly can loose for winning here.