Back to gallery

Merlin --------- Falco columbarius --- '' Explored ''

The UK's smallest bird of prey, this compact, dashing falcon has a relatively long, square-cut tail and rather broad-based pointed wings, shorter than those of other falcons. Its wingbeat tends to be rapid with occasional glides, wings held close to the body. Its small size enables it to hover and hang in the breeze as it pursues its prey. In winter the UK population increases as most of the Icelandic breeding birds migrate to our warmer climate

In winter birds leave upland areas and come down to inland lowland and coastal areas. They can be seen in almost any open country but are often found near coasts. They can be found at roosts in reedbeds, bogs and on heaths, often with hen harriers

MEASUREMENTS: The Merlin has a body length of 10 - 13 inches, a wingspan of 20 - 26 inches, and weighs 5 - 8 1/2 ounces.

I sent a copy of this to Black fox and he sent it back ''tweaked ' as he put it ...so this is what it looks like now .

3,883 views
32 faves
37 comments
Uploaded on October 14, 2012
Taken on October 14, 2012