One of MT’s Most Wanted
One of the most wanted birds in Montana is my friend the Merlin, Falco columbarius, if you want to be scientifically proper. Around these parts they’re known as pigeon hawks.
This small bird of prey is 9.5-13” long with a 20-26” wingspan. When compared to other smaller falcons Merlins are considered robust and sturdily built. Males weigh on average 5.8 oz, while females tend to weigh in at around 8 oz.
The males are blue-grey black with some subspecies ranging from almost completely black to silver-grey. The undersides are buff to an orange shade, with some black to reddish brown streaking. Females and juveniles are brownish-grey to dark brown with white-colored buff undersides spotted with brown. To make this even more challenging, their faces are less strongly patterned than other falcons.
Merlins are listed as rare for all seasons in Montana. Your best bet is to look around in areas with a mix of low and medium-height vegetation. Stay out of the forests because they don’t like dense areas.
Have you spotted this rare bird? If so, contact us with details!
Are You One of Those Types of Birdwatchers?
While you watch us, we also watch you. And we’ve seen all types of birdwatchers. Most birdwatchers are quiet and respectful, making a good addition to any bird watching group. However, there are a few bad seeds out there. Make sure you’re not one of them by checking the list below!
1. Incessant Pisher
Pishing is the sound humans make to attract birds. Sometimes it really works. And sometimes it is overworked. Make sure you’re not annoying your birdwatching buddies by constantly pishing. I’ve noticed some ask the group if they’re ok with a little pishing. That’s a nice step to take to avoid any nasty glares.
2. Overpacker
Sure, you may need some equipment. But sometimes it can just be too much. When you’re hauling around cumbersome equipment, you’re distracting your fellow birdwatchers. And most likely scaring away the birds.
3. Constant Field-book Checker
The birds in the books won’t fly away. We, however, will. So get your nose out of the field guide and enjoy what you see.
4. Loud Talker
Yes, we know it can be exciting to spot us. But try and contain yourself for the sake of the group and us birds! When you get loud, we fly away. Then you’re left with a bunch of unhappy birdwatchers. If you spot one of us, use silent gestures and whispers to point us out to others.
The Seasons Harsh Winter Ain’t Got Nothing On Hummers!
According to Ian Tizard, a bird specialist in Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, our hummingbird numbers are right where they should be this season!
Even though the weather across North America this past winter has been hit by colder than normal temperatures, snow blizzards, and torrential down pours – it obviously has had no affect on us hummingbirds. Tizard claims he has seen nothing to indicate that our numbers are down and many sightings of us have already been reported.
Although, it does make me wonder… since winter appears to have shifted a bit by ending later and later each year, I’m wondering if my hummingbird friends and I have been affected by this lag?
Hummingbirds.net does a wonderful job of tracking us Ruby-Throats via the help of hummingbird enthusiasts. After looking at these maps over the past few years, there does seem to be a very brief delay in the first sightings of our kind, however, it has not affected the numbers of us hummingbirds migrating, which is great news!
Take a look at the most recent sightings of our beautiful species and see for yourself!
… And don’t forget to put out your feeders. When we reach your yard we’ll be hungry!