Hard to say if it is early for Merlin. I checked my sightings for Franklin County and I had two sightings in December, one in late February and two in late March. They are more likely to be encountered during migration from late March into April. I think Merlins have really increased in numbers over the past 5-10 years and others may have thoughts on this too. 20+ years ago Merlin sightings were somewhat rare (at least for me).
Bill Lafley New Salem <blafley...>
> On Apr 14, 2025, at 3:26 PM, Nikos Kazantzakis <kazantzakis83...> wrote: > > > I watched a merlin hunting over a field at Bennett Meadows Wildlife Management Area (in Northfield? Gill?) on the bank of the Connecticut River for about 5 minutes this afternoon before it flew off toward the north. How early is this for merlin in the spring? > > Thanks! > > Nikos > Sullivan, NH
