Merlin locations in Arizona

Falco columbarius

Merlins are not incredibly common, yet in the rural regions of Southeastern Arizona, they can be found during the winter frequently.  Anywhere in Sulfur Springs Valley in the winter is great!  This picture on the left was taken in November in Elfrida, Arizona, in the Sulfur Springs Valley.  Double-check every perched "Kestrel". 

Probably the best location we can recommend when specifically searching for Prairie Merlins [the lighter colored morph Merlins featured in this picture] is what appears to be a Merlin nest on private ranch land east of Patagonia, Arizona.  Travel east into the San Rafael Valley after the road turns dirt.  Travel for a few miles east until you see a corral and a large steel water trough on the left.  This is where the Merlins [as well as other birds of prey] hang out.  The probable nest is about a half mile back towards Patagonia.

If you have any other Merlin locations in Southeastern Arizona that are somewhat regular, contact us, and we will post it here after visiting it, for the rest of the Arizona raptor community to enjoy.

Website and all images copyright 1999-2005 Peter and Amanda Lewis