Mon. a.m. there was lots of bird activity in my front yard, so I grabbed binos, appropriate warbler 'cheat sheets', note pad and headed out for a little sit on my deck.   NO ACTIVITY! On the lawn about 30' away, I spotted what I thought was a rabbit.  Alas it was a hawk devoring the robin I had just seen hopping around the lawn!   I watched it for about 15 min. when it finally flew off to nearby tree with what remained.   Twas an adult male Merlin!!!  It appeared to have a band on the right leg.  I couldn't tell for sure, but the band appeared to be flat metal, maybe 3/8 to 1/2 wide.   Anyone have any thoughts about this?

Ruth Stewart

E. Dorset, VT