<%@LANGUAGE="JAVASCRIPT" CODEPAGE="65001"%> Merula
Willowbrook Wildlife Center Raptor Volunteer Interpreteres

Merula close upMerula

Origin of her name:
Her name comes from Latin and means "black bird" and is the source for the common name Merlin. Merlin falcons in flight are the darkest falcons.

Species:
Falco columbarius (Merlin Falcon)

Status:
Passed away New Year's Eve - December 31, 2009. See January 2, 2010 update for more information.

Rescue Story:
Admitted October 18, 2006 with a broken and dislocated left wing. She was found on a sidewalk in Elwood Park. Thought to be female because of her size.

All images on this page are also links to high resolution images good for printing.

Favorite Photos:

Karen L. with Merula

Karen L. with Merula in December of 2007.
Karen, is there a story that goes with this photo?
Nancy Mores and Merula

Nancy M. with Merula. This photo was taken at the (well-deserved!) '09 thank you picnic for the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors at Willowbrook.

Favorite Stories:

From Anne Marie:

This is not a "story" about a specific event. I just want to say that I think Merula is one of the most beautiful birds in the collection... I'd be hard-pressed to choose between her and Ayasha for best looking.