Thanks for pooting this, Jim! The Merlin family made it through last night's
storm, tho a big tree was felled just up from the nest tree. I watched the
chicks and Mom from about 1130-noon Sat. (today), Did not see Dad.
Warren Woessner
From: Minnesota Birds on behalf of Jim Mattsson
Sent: Tue 6/22/2010 3:57 PM
To: MOU-NET@LISTS.UMN.EDU
Subject: [mou-net] Merlin nest, Dakota County
I have been monitoring a Merlin nest at Acacia Cemetery in Mendota Heights,
Dakota County. The nest contains 4 downy chicks about 10-14(?) days old.
Interestingly, the male is an apparent Richardson's (F.c. richardsonii) and the
female a Taiga (F.c. columbarius). This is the first record of nesting by this
species for Dakota County, if approved.
The nest is in a pine located approximately 100 m NE of the upper parking
lot . As you enter the main gate with the stone pillars veer immediately to the
right around the office bldg., then take first right, then first left, then
your
first right again. This should be BEECH. As soon as you turn there
is a small black and silver sign with the word LOCUST on the right
side of the road. The nest tree is on the opposite side (N) of the
road from this sign. Its branches actually hang over the pavement.
Go about 75 m beyond the nest tree (east) and park. The nest is
best viewed from this location. It is about 3 ft. below the top and a
bit to the right. You can see it with the naked eye. The female
often perches on the top of one of the spruce trees also about 60-75 m east of
the nest. She seems to tolerate observers at this distance from the
nest, but I wouldn't go any closer as she gets a bit agitated and may not bring
food to the nest if you are too close. I witnessed this behavior on Father's
Day as there were people near the nest tree on couple of occasions. Because
this is the best viewing AND photographing location, there is no need to go
closer to get photographs. Please use good judgment and if you feel you may be
causing the birds to become agitated, back away.
Directions to Acacia Cemetery: Take Hi 55 (north or south bound) to Hi 13. Turn
west on Hi 13 and take your first right at Pilot Knob Rd. Go north about 1/4
mile to the main gate and proceed using the directions above.
Jim Mattsson
Eagan, MN
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