Thursday's Bird Watch

This is a Merlin.  They love to perch at the very top of trees, and at that distance can be easily dismissed as just another European Starling or American Crow, I know because it has happened to me a couple of times recently, so its's important to take a closer look as this is an entirely different bird. These fierce little hunters are members of the Falcon Family, and journey South to us from Canada and Alaska for the winter.  This guy was perched atop a fir tree next to the Garden Home of Vern and Ann Beeson.  The Beeson's take the award as the best yard here in the Dallas Retirement Village for bird feeders.  This Merlin seems to have figured this out and is waiting patiently for his next victim.