British and Irish Merlin recoveries, 1911–1984

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Abstract
Using ringing data, the movements of Merlins, Falco columbarius, in Great Britain and Ireland, and from Iceland to the British Isles, are analysed in relation to age, distance from natal site, time of year when recovered, apparent cause of death and the distance travelled. Rapid departure following fledging from the immediate nesting area is demonstrated by the high number of recoveries in August and September at more than 10 km distance from the natal site. Ringing recoveries indicate that 70% of first‐year birds spend the winter within 100 km of their natal area. The tendency to remain within 100 km of the natal site is still more pronounced in older birds (82% of winter recoveries). Some individuals, however, have been recovered in winter from as far as mainland Europe, nine being first‐year birds and eight older. During the months March ‐ August, when birds may be expected to be on or near to the breeding site, the recovery pattern reveals a general return towards natal areas, with ca 40% of first summer and 65% of older birds being recovered within 50 km of their place of hatching. The trapping of breeding adults ringed as nestlings supports the results from ringing recoveries. The reported circumstances of recovery are discussed and a probable real decline in direct human persecution is suggested. The pattern of Icelandic‐ringed birds subsequently recovered in Great Britain and Ireland is also illustrated.

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