Here in the Redwood Region, we know them as uncommon but regular migrantS and winter visitorS, present from September into April. Pastures, ranchland, salt marsh, open mudflats, sandspits, lagoons, and mountain prairies all host their modest share of Merlins. A varied and plentiful population of small birds, scattered prominent lookout posts, and lots of open sky attract these small falcons. While in our area, flocks of Dunlin, Least Sandpipers, blackbirds, starlings, and pipits get much of their attention. During autumns when dragonflies are abundant, they will make short sorties from the power towers in the Arcata Marsh after these tiny but readily-captured meals.
Merlins use tree cavities and old stick nests of other birds for their breeding activities.
The female lays 4-5 eggs, which hatch in about one month. The nestlings fledge a month or so later. Much of the continental population then drifts southward, wintering mostly from the northern U.S. down into the tropics. This species is much more commonly seen in actual migration in the Lake States and on the Atlantic Coast than locally, although we can assume that many must pass through our stretch of country en route to their final destinations without being seen. Because this raptor is not abundant, it requires considerable time to hone a useful 'search image' for it.