Saw a soaring bird across the Scioto River at the Greenlawn Dam boat ramp.  Looked like a swallow which made me very curious being that it is winter in Columbus.

With the curiosity set in, I jumped out of my truck and focussed in with my binoculars.  It was a raptor.  Too small to be a Cooper, the tail was too short and it's wings were very pointed at the ends.  It was also darting around in the wind like a swallow...never flapping its wings.

I wanted it to be a Merlin, but, I chalked it up as a Kestrel.  It was across the river.  I couldn't see for sure.

That was until the "Fly By."

On my way out of the park, I drove back to the boat ramp.  As I drove in, the bird flew just 15 feet above me.  Wingtip to wingtip, head to tail, the underside was very "spotted."  Not streaked.  

But, best of all, and I was looking to be sure...., no "Kestrel" eye patches.

I think that this could have been a Merlin.

Kirt Beiling
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