View allAll Photos Tagged Merlin
A pair of these birds have a nest somewhere near my backyard. Their "nest alarm call" is loud and racous. This one has something in its talon. I would assume its a house sparrow.
Was pleased to find this Merlin on my walk this morning. It is only the second one I've ever seen.
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Seeing this bird today was a first for me. I don't think they are common at this time of year where I live.
Wikipedia:
Merlin
Conservation status Least Concern
The merlin (Falco columbarius) is a small species of falcon from the Northern Hemisphere, with numerous subspecies throughout North America and Eurasia. A bird of prey, the merlin breeds in the northern Holarctic; some migrate to subtropical and northern tropical regions in winter. Males typically have wingspans of 53–58 centimetres (21–23 in), with females being slightly larger. They are swift fliers and skilled hunters which specialize in preying on small birds in the size range of sparrows to doves and medium-sized shorebirds.
Just a chance encounter while driving through the park. I took a short side road to check out a grove of trees that is often productive, and there it was - an adult male Merlin posing nicely against the pure blue sky.
I managed half a dozen shots before it had enough and flew off. A couple of distracting branches were removed in post from the edges of the frame. I'm always happy to add another good shot of this handsome little raptor to my collection!
Photographed in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission ©2024 James R. Page - all rights reserved.
After drinking and a session of bathing in the Bow River in Carburn Park, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, this Merlin landed in a tall tree by the bank and just above a trail passing about 10 metres below. This small member of the Falconidae is slightly larger than the American Kestrel, the smallest member of the family found in North America.
I just got back yesterday from a quick 3 day trip to Algonquin Provincial Park. Overall is was incredibly quiet with respect to wildlife. I saw no large mammals at all but did find some tracks I also found fresh scat of bear and wolf.
The trip would have been a photo bust if it wasn't for a wonderful time on the second day spent with an accommodating Merlin (our second smallest falcon).
Regardless of the photo ops it's always great to be in the great outdoors in the park.
In this image it had just arrived back at one of its hunting perches with a dragonfly. Over the course of nearly two hours I watched it catch several of these fast, nimble insect fliers.
Image created on September 12, 2019 in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario.
Merlin helicopter lflying past during the operation to move the aircraft carrier Prince of Wales under the Forth bridges
Merlin is a species of falcon known for taking small birds in flight, but as shown here its aerodynamic skills also extend to taking dragonflies — which are very adept fliers themselves. This bird with its prey was seen at Carburn Park in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
I might only see a Merlin once or twice a year. I wish we had a better day to capture it on. I am not big on cloudy day photography. If I could have caught it lower down with a treed backdrop I would have been happier. But I did get to see a somewhat uncommon bird for me so I am happy about that!
It had been years since I last visited Sandy Beach Park. I went in search of a bluebird that has been seen there. I wasn't able to find it but was delighted to have a Merlin pose for me. I was alerted to it's presence by mobbing magpies.
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Merlin from Disneys old Sword in the stone.
Singing “higitus figitus” and packing his whole home in his bag. Nostalgia for me... How about you?
Hugs from me and Merlin!
#lego #moc #disney #merlin #higitusfigitus #swordinthestone #magic
Just a good Merlin hanging out during our "raptor season". I don't see them very often, so always a treat.
Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, Connecticut
This is from my archive of images I have not posted. While I look for Merlin photo ops, unfortunately this was the last time I had one; two years ago.