Mating merlins_31Mar2016

I've read that these birds have become more common in urban areas result of increasing numbers of small prey birds taking up urban habitats, like house sparrows and housefinches. Certainly this couple, nesting in a large fir tree offscreen left , were attracting the attention of many birders in Vancouver in the summer of 2016. The location is Little Mountain, beside the basketball courts.

The lady here had chosen a still leafless tree to perch in, while her mate watched from the nest tree. He would call when he was ready to make a nuptial pass, then give a cry or two when above her and swinging around and down. She knew when to raise her rear end to prepare for him. He'd not stop, but fly directly back to the nest tree. Repeat as necessary through the afternoon.