Any time I can see and photograph two falcon species in a single day is a great day and yesterday I photographed a Prairie Merlin and several American Kestrels.
Adult male American Kestrel perched on a barb wire fence – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
It started off when I spotted a male American Kestrel perched on a barb wire fence in nice morning light at Farmington Bay WMA. It was chilly and the little male kestrel seemed to be resting on the fence.
Male American Kestrel resting on a metal post – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
But I believe he was perched there because there were dozens upon dozens of American Pipits in the marsh nearby flying around and foraging on the ground. Pipits are prey items for our smallest North American falcon species and I’ve been hearing large flocks of pipits at Farmington Bay WMA, Bear River MBR, and beyond for weeks now.
The male kestrel did take off in the direction of a flock of pipits at one point and he landed on the marsh before he flew back to this metal post. He missed the prey on that attempt but I can see a bit of dried blood just above his foot that leads me to believe he had a successful hunt earlier in the morning.
Female Prairie Merlin perched in a tree – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Earlier in the morning I’d seen a female American Kestrel in one area of Farmington Bay WMA but wasn’t able to lock onto her and I hoped that she’d be around for another chance at photographing her so when I saw a falcon shaped bird fly into a tree I suspected it might have been her but to my surprise it was a female Merlin that had landed in the tree. This Merlin is from the Prairie subspecies.
She perched for quite a while in the tree until an immature Red-tailed Hawk dove at her and chased her off. I spotted where she landed on the top of a rabbitbrush and was attempting to get closer to her when she took off and landed on a bare branch.
Prairie Merlin at Farmington Bay WMA – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
The female Merlin seemed content on the branch until a Black-billed Magpie flew in and attempted to harass her. The Merlin held her ground, or branch, and the magpie gave up and flew off. A few minutes later I saw a flurry of feathers through my viewfinder when a female American Kestrel flew in and chased the larger Merlin off of the branch. I suspect it was the same female kestrel that I had spotted earlier in the morning.
At this location I again heard large flocks of American Pipits flying overhead and spotted them in the marsh nearby, they are also a prey item for merlins so perhaps this beauty will stick around and overwinter here as many merlins do.
I took hundreds of photos of the Merlin and American Kestrels I found and pointed out yesterday. I’m sure more photos of the falcon species I saw at the WMA will be shared here on my posts and in my photo galleries.
It was terrific and fun having both of these falcon species in my viewfinder yesterday.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Kestrel photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my Merlin photos plus facts and information about this species.
Thank you for posting your finds of these two falcons.
Great shots and an even better story about them! Looks like the Merlin might have a little bit of “breakfast” leftovers on her as well.
Great shots of the Kestrel and Prairie Merlin. As always, the composition, detail, and colors you capture…amaze me. I can’t wait to see more of your falcon pics from yesterday. Actually, until this morning I had never heard of the Prairie Merlin. Fascinating bird. Thanks Mia.
Oh what a wonderful morning, oh what a wonderful day…
Such beautiful photos. And an exciting morning!
From my wanderings it looks like it is a better vole year.
Nice images of the two little falcons! We have a male kestrel (which I think is the same one) occupy a fairly well-defined hunting territory for the past several winters. Some years there are one or two additional males defending their territories along a gravel road to the north. Our south Florida wintering Merlins seem to be darker than yours.
The Merlin was your reward for being optimistic about the future .