I saw one report of a Merlin at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines on Sunday, so I went there before sunset (s.s. 6:49 pm) on Monday (10/5) and had two FOS sightings. They were not seen at the same time, but they appeared to be different birds. The first was seen atop a spruce tree in Block 16 NE of the pond at about 6:20 and appeared to be a male Taiga (it was bathed in very warm light by the low sun). It did not stay long as it was being challenged for its perch by a Northern Flicker. The second was seen at the top of an English oak in Block 37 between 6:40 and 6:50 and appeared to be a female Taiga. I could not relocate either one after they flew away.
