Speaking of climbing predators, a few days ago I pointed my scope at a Merlin’s nest in the top of a big white pine along Cascadilla Creek, but instead of the expected tip of the incubating female’s tail, which is sometimes visible over the edge of the nest, I saw what looked like a big furry Cossack hat crowning the entire structure.
As I imagine it, a raccoon had climbed way up to the nest in the hours before dawn, and after eating the contents, had just curled-up there to sleep-off the meal in the warm morning sunshine.
It still early enough that the dispossessed Merlin pair might be scouting for another available stick nest. Could be anywhere in the Triangle or Fall Creek Neighborhoods, or even up on the West Hill. Keep eyes and ears open.
