Good Merlin sites? (1 Viewer)

A

amears

Well-known member

• Feb 14, 2018

• #1

Did a quick thread search on here and not too much popped up. Have a friend living in Saltaire who's not having much luck finding Merlins despite trying some well-known sites like Leighton Moss and Blacktoft. Any good tips for time of day, season and location, not too far away?
Thanks in advance,
Andy.

 

pete seaman

Well-known member

• Mar 4, 2018

• #2

amears said:

Did a quick thread search on here and not too much popped up. Have a friend living in Saltaire who's not having much luck finding Merlins despite trying some well-known sites like Leighton Moss and Blacktoft. Any good tips for time of day, season and location, not too far away?
Thanks in advance,
Andy.

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Hi Andy,only just picked this up. The lack of info may be because even a small falcon like a Merlin are under stress from certain quarters as are the rest of our raptors and nobody will give away sites for any birds under risk. I could suggest your friend tries any of the heather moorland areas as in Washburn or Nidderdale.There a few about but they do take some finding. Checking out the annual reports from local bird/wildlife clubs may give some idea of where to start. The Bradford Ornithology group has a lot of info on local raptors and fairly close to Saltaire.

 

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arthur heaton

Well-known member

• Mar 8, 2018

• #3

I agree about sensitivity,particularly in Nidderdale,but I have seen one up there before.

 

Keith Dickinson

Well-known member

Opus Editor

• Mar 17, 2018

• #4

We had one at Welwick near Spurn the other week but that is the first I have seen in Yorkshire for ages. Blacktoft used to be a good bet in winter but for some years now they have been hit and miss

 

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amears

Well-known member

• Mar 18, 2018

• #5

Thanks everyone. Your thoughts appreciated.

 

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arthur heaton

Well-known member

• Mar 18, 2018

• #6

I hate to say this,but the"game" shooters use them for target practise. It's time the police wildlife officers got out and hammered the gamekeepers.High time shooting becomes a licensed "sport" with draconian penalties for the wrong doers.

 

James Thomas

Well-known member

• May 6, 2018

• #7

arthur heaton said:

I hate to say this,but the"game" shooters use them for target practise. It's time the police wildlife officers got out and hammered the gamekeepers.High time shooting becomes a licensed "sport" with draconian penalties for the wrong doers.

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