In an oak, probably a Valley Oak but maybe a Blue Oak?? Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, Birding Transect Trail. 2/21/2025, 8:50:53. After we watched this sharp-winged bird glide in and land, the Merlin and I spent six minutes together, the Merlin alternately scanning for prey and keeping an eye on me, me trying to focus on the bird past all those budding branches and twigs.