A merlin perched on one leg at the south shore of Sand Creek east of Westerly Creek in Central Park. Length: 9.4–11.8 inches. Weight: 5.6–8.5 ounces. Wingspan: 20.9–26.8 inches.

The Merlin app was launched in 2014 to help people find the answer to “What’s that bird?” To quickly identify species, Merlin features both photo and sound identification options. The free bird ID app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology had 10 million users from around the world in 2025.

Here is merlin the bird, a brown and white falcon with a heavily-streaked chest, round and oval white shapes throughout, and thin white tail bands. It is slightly larger than the American kestrel and smaller than the prairie falcon and peregrine falcon.

Left: Stretching wing and leg. Right: Ready to take flight.

Bird Walks: Feb. 7, 8–10:30am. Walks are free, but you must RSVP at blufflake.org/birdwatching. All are welcome. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from your guide. 11255 MLK Jr. Blvd. Search FrontPorchNE.com for “Bird Sightings” to see past bird stories and photos from George Ho.