[Tweeters] American Kestrel in Jimi Hendrix Park

[Shelf Life Community Story Project via Tweeters]

Hi Kersti

I 100% know the difference between a kestrel and a merlin. This bird had the unmistakeable facial markings of a kestrel. While I didn’t have my binocs with me, I basically stood right under the lamppost the bird was perched on for quite awhile. I got a good look at it and ruled out any of the other small raptors I have seen in the area. Kestrels have also been reported on eBird in the Montlake Fill area 3 times in the last month, and that is not far as the crow (kestrel) flies. Not a stretch at all, this time of year, when juveniles are branching out on their own. Jimi Hendrix park is actually pretty good kestrel habitat; it’s dry and open, as is the surrounding Judkins Park area. 



Jill 


> On Jul 18, 2026, at 1:32 PM, Kersti Muul via Tweeters <tweeters at u.washington.edu> wrote:

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> Me thinks likely a Merlin...

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