There are a few other geocaches along this trail. We like to hike a variety of trails and this one is a good one if you want a fairly straight forwar4d and not too steep little hike. In biking season you may need to keep alert for bikes. In the winter we like to snowshoe but this south facing slope didnt get a whole lot of snow last year. This year doesnt look much better so far. We usually park on Mason Road just off Fox Mtn Road and hike across to Bearacouga trail which is marked.
The Merlin is a small falcon which feeds mostly on small birds! Some of the northen Merlins will migrate south while others of the Pacific Northwest become permanent residents. Maybe it depends on availablity of food source? Climate change could even have an impact as we noticed someone had seen a robin by Scout Island in late December which is a little unusual. The sharp Shinned Hawk is very similar, the Merlin has pointed wings while the Sharp Shinned Hawk has more rounded wing tips. Yo uwon't often hear the Merlin but if you do it is a loud high cackle.
Merliin's habitat is open conifer woodland or prairie areas. Can be found in foothills, marshes and open country. The Merlin uses trees for nest sites and open areas for hunting. The Merlin may winter in more open areas, such as grasslands, coastal marshes.