With this little hawk, you get what you see. The Merlin is a feisty, speedy little hawk that can catch birds and insects in midair, using level sprints or quick turns. I photographed this one back in October, as he was hanging on in the wind to a small shrub. At first I thought it may have been a Prairie Falcon, but the spacing of the banded tail and heavy streaking on the breast told me that it was most likely a Merlin.
Merlin
Merlin
Merlin
Click on any image to see an enlargement.
great shots Bob! happy holidays and an inspirational, healthy 2013!
Thank you very much, Sheila. Nice to hear from you.
Nice capture Bob.
Thank you very much, Alison.
Very nice images of this Merlin Bob! Happy Holidays to you.
Thanks, Mia. The same back at ya.
Merry Christmas Bob!
Thanks, Derrick, and Happy Holidays to you, too.
Happy Holidays, Bob! Gorgeous pictures, and I am jealous too, I can count the times I’ve seen a Merlin well on one finger.
Thank you so very much,Lisa. Happy Holidays back at ya.
I like these images of the Merlin a lot, Bob. I rarely see the species and have almost no keepers of them. Jealous again…
I am sorry I make you green with envy, Ron, but you have many birds that I don’t see here, too. Thanks for the compliments.
Beautiful! Happy Holidays, Bob!
Thanks a bunch, Karen, and you have some great holidays, too.
“Magical” photography! Stunning work,Maestro!
Thank you very much, Rob. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Christmas Blessings , Bob & Ann!
Thank you very much, Toby. Holiday Happiness back at ya.
These are absolutely fantastic Bob! And so clear! Merry Christmas to you and your wife!!
Thank you for that glowing compliment, Polly. Happy Holidays to you and yours, too.