Perched Merlin – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/160, ISO 1000, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Just a short Merlin post today from my Montana trip, a teaser for the images I will soon be posting. Fog, the rising sun and a falcon on a post equated to a bit of Merlin Magic in the Centennial Valley.
The Merlin probably felt the cold (11°F) far less than I did as I photographed it but I almost certain it made the Merlin stickier than it would have been if the temps had been warmer.
From AllAboutBirds.org:
Medieval European noblewomen—including Catherine the Great and Mary Queen of Scots—used Merlins for sport to hunt Skylarks. European and North American falconers continue to work with Merlins, hunting quarry that ranges from sparrow-sized to dove-sized.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Merlin photos plus facts and information about this species.
Hi!
Love the poise of the bird! What did you say? It was asking you? Will I be on TV you said? Ha ha Have a great day!
“What did you say, Mia?”” I think that’s what he was asking you. You must have called him “cute” and he heard you…love the turned head and the weathered wood of the fenceost.
Amazing image. The ‘cuteness’, the ‘fluffiness’ and the steadfast eye and impressive beak and talons. Love it. Looking forward to more.
Beautiful bird, fantastic picture!
What a bird! And what a photo! The colors are fantastic.
Incredible capture Mia…
Excellent Photo.. and he is perched on a short Merlin post too 😉
oh what a beauty!!!!!!!!! can’t wait to see more, Mia!!!
Beautiful image mia.