This merlin falcon and its mate are regular visitors to the Louis Creek area. Merlin falcons are known to those who are familiar with the species simply as a merlin, although the merlin is a small falcon is often referred to as a hawk due to its small statue even though its ancestry is much closer to that of a falcon than a hawk.Merlin’s are found throughout North America, Asia, and Europe and measure 60-80 cm in length with a wingspan that ranges between 53-69 cm.  Merlin falcons have genealogy that traces back as far as five million years ago and today still have a broad population leading them to rank at the bottom of the endangered list with the status of ‘least concern.’  They are considered to have the most in common with the red-necked falcon due to their similar hunting habits but do not share much in common when it comes to overall appearance.