For the last several weeks since I've noticed and heard the return of the Merlin Falcons to the Victory Heights and Pinehurst neighborhoods in northeast Seattle. This is the fourth year in a row the Merlins have chosen this area to breed.
The first year they nested in a large Norwegian Pine in my front yard in Victory Heights. I wasn't sure what kind of birds they were until several bird-watchers showed up early one morning with folding chairs and a thermos. The bird enthusiasts, Barb and Kim, let me know that this was the first confirmed nesting of Merlin Falcons in the Seattle area, normally found in Western Washington and British Columbia. Word spread quickly about the pair of Merlins nesting in the small neighborhood just east of Northgate. The next three months the streets and yard were filled with bird-watchers coming from all over the Puget Sound area.
What a great way to meet and enjoy fun conversation with neighbors and a chance to meet new friends. Over the next several years the Merlins have nested several blocks to the north in the Pinehurst neighborhood; all the neighbors keep in touch and discuss the occasional fly-bys and keep track either by email or word of mouth about the bird's whereabouts.
The return of Merlins is a great reminder of how lucky we are to live in a city neighborhood that's filled with tall fir trees that provide habitats for such special wildlife and natural beauty.
The Pinehurst community is located 8.2 miles from downtown Seattle with a drive time of about 15 minutes. It has a walking score of 77 with many accessible pocket-parks, restaurants and stores. Currently there are 11 homes for sale ranging in price from $250,000-$400,000. For more information about this area contact Adrian Willanger 206 909-7536.
Comments(0)