Merlin at 7880 ft in Huerfano County

[David Matson]

To Each and All:

At approximately 3:00 PM today (June 15, 2022), I saw a small falcon with a solid, blue-black back coursing over our meadow on Raspberry Mountain.

We are located 7.1 miles south of La Veta, in Huerfano County.

The bird flew directly, without pause or maneuver, neither chasing anything or appearing to seek a perch. It disappeared into a tangle of rather mature Gambel's Oaks.

Likely, it was disturbed by our dog, which was alerted by bellowing cows. The dog knows that its mission is to drive the cows off our property. In doing so, the timing was right for I came around the corner of the house just as the dog was moving the cattle over the road and the falcon was flying away from the dog also.

I suspect the falcon was in the area because of the Collared-Doves and Mourning Doves that frequent our feeders on the same side of the house.

Because I saw the falcon with the naked eye, I cannot add other diagnostic features to this sighting, other than to say that we have many cliffs in the area that are suitable for nesting raptors.

I will continue to look out for this particular species.

Anyone who wishes to bird in our area is welcome.

David Matson

719-717-0646

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David Matson

La Veta, Colorado

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