Is this a Falcon?

[Donna]

Kelly Corbett on fb posted this and wanted to know if it was a Merlin or a Falcon? She saw it this afternoon on the antenna of Inn on Broadway bldg.

I thought juvie falcon???

 It headed due West toward the old Midtown Bldg. 4:45 pm today

[Donna]

It's a Merlin I guess. I need to brush up on my falcons!  They look a lot alike.

[BIGFRANK]

Technically U arent wrong,Merlins are the medium sized falcon for most of the eastern US. Kestrel,Merlin Peregrine by order of size. In Canada we also get the supersized falcon,a Gryfalcon. Our girl Remington is about the size of a Redtailed Hawk.

[Donna]

Technically U arent wrong,Merlins are the medium sized falcon for most of the eastern US. Kestrel,Merlin Peregrine by order of size. In Canada we also get the supersized falcon,a Gryfalcon. Our girl Remington is about the size of a Redtailed Hawk.

My first thought was peregrine juvie that's why I said I needed to brush up on my falcons. Thanks BF!! Where do Merlins nest? Trees, nest box? I don't think I ever saw a nest cam for Merlins! Are they not as popular as Peregrines?

[BIGFRANK]

Peregrines are one of the most studied species on earth. Merlins arent endangered or threatened and are quite secretive relative to Peregrines so Ive never heard of a camera on a nest. The only ones Ive seen at a nest used a tall pine tree in the middle of a forested area. While we see them occassionally during the year, we dont see them alot. Few nest in the city of Toronto(its said none) but as we have rescued fledgling Merlins when we've had a call saying it was a Peregrine we know they do occur. More commonly Kestrels are confused with Peregrines and they will nest in urban environments in cavities. They fledge around the same time as Peregrine's so almost each season we get calls about a few. We respond to all calls we can because we want people to report raptors in trouble,incase it ever is a Peregrine. We dont want them to think its a waste of time calling us(CPF) if we did respond the last time they called.
  At migration time in the fall this past season, an incredible 130 were recorded at my little Raptor Watch in Toronto. Occassionally we see them land in the park and hunt locally for several days at that time of year. They shift gears very fast and often if U arent paying attention, all U will hear said it "That was a Merlin". They are always a special treat to see.
  Most recently Tracy and I saw a Merlin take a Starling. It was a beautiful bird, as they all are!

[Donna]

Wow and they are not endangered! Never hear much on the Merlins, thought they may be scarce. Guess not. Thanks BF, good info, as always!