View allAll Photos Tagged MERLIN
We came across this Merlin yesterday afternoon during a visit to Brazoria NWR and she was an awesome model. It was such a thrill to be able to observe her beauty from the car for several minutes before moving on. While we watched she just looked around and stayed put giving me enough time to mount my 2x tele-extender on my 500mm lens for a few photos before we drove away leaving her to her fence post.
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Falco columbarius
This is another Merlin (Prairie) that I saw that morning. He was busy eating his breakfast and keeping a watchful eye for other raptors around.
This falcon was flying low at full speed over the field. These small falcons can be very aggressive if challenged by crows or ravins, and love to buzz Great Horned Owls.
There are some small bugs in the picture which I left in.
Not a very good quality image but I've posted it anyway because I was so pleased to eventually get any passable image of a very elusive bird. This beautiful male Merlin made a typically fleeting dash-past whilst I was descending Cairngorm a couple of weeks ago. I grabbed a couple of rushed shots before it disappeared over a ridge, not to be seen again.
A Merlin flew by with high speed. Shot through the branches.
Overcast morning in N. of Edmonton. Dec. 2021.
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Found one of two female Merlins the other day. I pulled over to answer a text and couldn't believe this Merlin hanging out on the post. She was there for at least a half hour. I was hoping she would catch something but she was observing the little birdies that kept their distance. The second one had a nice Sparrow I saw later, but was chased away by two crows closing in on her before I could get the shot.
The Merlin is one of four falcon species I have seen during the past ten years of living full time (almost) on the Canadian prairie. The others are the Prairie Falcon, American Kestrel, and Gyrfalcon; only the Peregrine is missing, although I haven't given up hope altogether. In fact, I like having some blank spots on the map; it makes my lucky days all the more exciting.
Some years I see Merlins in my area throughout the winter. And sometimes they will decline to leave their temporary perch when my red Toyota blind rolls to a stop...
Photographed near Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission ©2018 James R. Page - all rights reserved.
Merlin is a Harris' Hawk. They have three Harris' Hawks at the falconry but I always seem to take photos pf Merlin. He is the oldest and most experienced of the bunch and incredibly good at catching his prey in flight.
Montérégie, Québec.
Merlin with a meal just delivered by her mate.
Faucon émerillon avec un repas tout juste délivré par le mâle.
Merlin
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All images full frame unless the filename reflects "Crop"
A merlin was busy hunting in the park when I saw it taking off of a tree (left photo). The intensity and hurried approach left me thinking that it was up for something big. Moments later it flew past me with a hawk, a Meadowhawk dragonfly to be exact (right photo). Downsview Park
came upon this merlin who had just perched with a least sandpiper. A thrill to observe the feeding behavior for the next couple of minutes , photographing throughout, until he flew away with the remains clutched in his talon! Southern California
Merlin pairs have been seen teaming up to hunt large flocks of waxwings: one Merlin flushes the flock by attacking from below; the other comes in moments later to take advantage of the confusion.
Montérégie, Québec.
Merlin who does not seem willing to share her meal.
Faucon émerillon qui ne semble pas très encline à partager son repas.
Here is another photo from this past March. I had forgotten about this bird that I saw after photographing some short-eared owls. At the time I mistakingly thought it was a female kestrel but I am quite certain after reviewing my photos that it is actually a merlin. It was probably making its spring migration back north. Here it is with a bird meal it had just finished plucking the feathers out of.
I had the privilege of photographing a Merlin the other day in one of our local city parks. I was able to capture many good images, and my heart was full and happy as I walked home after the experience.
Enjoy this striking raptor with me...
This one surprised me. I didn't expect to see it at this spot. Taken at the the spot we sit and wait for the Eagles to fly by at the end of Creek rd. It landed on the tree to the right looking towards the bridge, flew off and came back to the same spot a little later. Little slow on the shutter speed, but I spun the dial as fast as I could in that split second.
Peace Valley, PA
I caught these mating Merlins at Beaumaris Lake today. The female braced herself on the branch when the male came in. It was interesting to see how the talons of the male rested so benignly on her back during this very brief encounter. But of course they know how to do this :)
Beaumaris Lake. Edmonton. Alberta.
Added to my Canada 150 Album.