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Could this be a Merlin Falcon in North London?

  • La Terra Trema

    Hi David. It's a male Sparrowhawk. :-)

    "Accept that some days you are the pigeon, and some days you are the statue."

  • David Plein

    Thanks - just googled Male Sparrowhawk, and you are right :)

  • John B (not the sloop)

    In reply to David Plein:

    Hi David. All European falcons have dark eyes which is a useful clue when sorting out birds of prey. In the UK Merlins have, so far, tended to avoid urban areas and remain our rarest breeding falcon. This time of year nearly all will have returned to their moorland breeding sites.

    JBNTS

    Every day a little more irate about bird of prey persecution, and I have a cat - Got a problem with that?

  • Tim Webb

    In reply to John B (not the sloop):

    both sparrowhawks and collared doves are doing well in Greater London. Thankfully it wasn't feasting on one of our declining or threatened species such as house sparrow, blackbird or starling. If you're looking out for birds in your garden, you should soon swifts. They've been spotted crossing the channel but I haven't yet had any confirmation of them arriving in London - www.rspb.org.uk/london

  • Galatas

    In reply to Tim Webb:

    Merlin for comparison (January 2009)

    My gallery here

    Checkout the forums' Community HOMEPAGE for lots of interesting posts from other members.

  • Sunrider

    In reply to Galatas:

    Incidentally a male Merlin was seen at the Lodge the other day.

  • Seaman

    In reply to Sunrider:

    Hopefully most Merlins are out on the moors on breeding territories at this time,although we did have a male chasing the linnets on a nearby lowland reserve last week.

    Pete

    Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can

  • Szilvia
    I didn't have my mobile in hand, unfortunately, but I'm 100% sure that a FEMALE MERLIN sat next to me on my second floor, balcony fence in WEST THAMESMEAD, South London.

    I shouldn't be so surprised after there's a big bird population here (in our street and whole Thamesmead) including parakeets, ducks, gooses, swans, grey heron... But I am, especially after I saw the "where and when to see them" map here on the RSPB website.

    Location SE28 0LR Date: 27/07/21 17:20
  • rspbailey
    If anyone can upload a photo of a Merlin in someone's garden or next to them on a rail then I'd be very very very surprised.

    Always go for the most common answer - Sprawk.
  • Alan
    There are also juv peregrines knocking about at the minute landing in unusual places, I think I saw a photo the other day on a balcony.

    My Flickr photos