I don't know if anyone is tracking raptor nesting within the city limits of Ottawa, but there is an active merlin nest at the intersection of Russell Road and Smyth Road near the Elmvale Shopping Centre. The nest is in one of two "twin" conifers that are on the back of the BMO parking lot on the north side of Smyth Road. Yesterday I saw one of the adult merlins mobbing a great blue heron - it looked rather strange, and the heron seemed mostly unperturbed although it did make a couple of rather half-hearted dodges to avoid the pesky little falcon.
John Pratt NRCan Legal Services Unit 580 Booth Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0E4 (613) 992-2488
