We found the merlin for Margit Merlin.
Last week, we wrote that bird watcher Merlin thought she spotted a merlin at her Marysville home.
A merlin is a small falcon that is native to the Northern Hemisphere.
Merlin says the apparent merlin was making an ungodly noise from a rhododendron bush in her yard.
“Out flies a merlin, sitting on a fence for a while — at least, I think it was a merlin, which is quite amusing, as my last name is Merlin.”
She isn’t sure if Marysville is home for the swift, small falcon.
“Naturally I am very excited that there seems to be another merlin in this town.”
John Edison, who lives on Camano Island, was kind enough to respond.
“Ms. Merlin may well have seen a merlin,” Edison says. “There are many merlins in Western Washington. They often prey on dunlin. As with all birds of prey, the female is larger than the male.”
What’s a dunlin?
“A dunlin is a small shorebird which flies in huge flocks,” Edison says. “Often a merlin will follow the flocks and pick off the slowest bird.”
Susie Schaefer, vice president of Pilchuck Audubon Society, says merlins hang around bird feeders for an easy dinner.
“Usually we think of merlins living in the mountains and forests but they are increasing in our suburban areas,” Schaefer says. “I suppose they could be confused with the more common Cooper’s hawk, but the merlin have longer pointy wings and narrow tails.”
Chilly weather or not, Schaefer says she will be joining the Audubon Society’s Christmas bird count Sunday in Marysville.
And so the little dears are home from school next week. The Stanwood Library jumps in with ideas to keep the school-age kids busy.
A “Winter Extravaganza” begins at 11 a.m. Monday with toy-making by Rick Hartman. Because of the use of small parts, this activity is not recommended for children younger than 4.
“Lego Mania!” begins at 11 a.m. Tuesday. That’s self-explanatory.
“Winter Crafts with Creation Station,” is planned for 11 a.m. Wednesday. Make cool stuff to take home, if kids still say “cool” stuff.
For more information, contact children’s librarian Joy Feldman, feldman@sno-isle.org or call 360-629-3132.
Equestrian Crossings, a new Whidbey Island nonprofit program, offered a potluck supper in Coupeville to attract new members.
Emily Brink, president of the board of directors, says several folks showed up to join the group.
There were 23 voting members at the inaugural annual membership meeting, Brink says.
Equestrian Crossings aims to offer horseback riding and harness cart driving classes for the whole family.
For more information about the group, call Equestrian Crossings at 360-320-1573, or e-mail info@equestriancrossings.com.
They hope to offer dance and gymnastics on horseback, too.
Speaking of horses on Whidbey Island, HOPE Therapeutic Riding Center volunteer training begins at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the fairgrounds in Langley. There is no need for horse experience, they just need folks to help riders discover their abilities.
For more information, call 360-221-7656.
Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451, oharran@heraldnet.com.
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