Crossword Genius

Bird spotted in summer — linnet? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

merlin

'bird' is the definition.
(merlin is a kind of bird)

'spotted in summer linnet?' is the wordplay.
'spotted in' indicates a hidden word.
'MERLIN' is hidden within 'summer linnet'.

(Other definitions for merlin that I've seen before include "Bird of prey - magician" , "Small falcon; wizard" , "Magician of Arthurian legend" , "King Arthur's magician" , "Kind of hawk or Camelot's magician" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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