Hello Matthew,
I would recommend getting down to Joist Fen viewpoint for around 3pm just to be on the safe side, depending on how much light you have. A telescope will be helpful and be aware that most of the hen harriers don't tend to come in until the light has almost gone.
There seem to be two merlins around, a first winter male and a female. Joist Fen viewpoint tends to be the best place to see them but as I am sure you are aware, you have to be quite lucky to see them as they are very quick and sometimes, once you have realised what you are looking at, it is long gone!
If there is anything else you would like to know, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
David White
Information Officer
Thanks for your reply David.
I will certainly keep my eye out for Merlin(s), I presume you mean they are low and fast over the reeds and less specifically to the roost (more likely to be seen at any point during the day)? Having never seen one before it would be nice to catch up with one!
Hello,
They are certainly low and fast over the reedbeds and the silhouette is a lot more peregrine like than kestrel like if that makes any sense. They have very pointed wings. The males are especially tiny, they only stand as tall as a mistle thrush!
I would say that the afternoon is still the best time to see them as their usual hunting tactic is to catch small birds in flight that are heading to roost.
Good luck,
David