On average I photograph Merlins less often than once per year so to get two of them in my viewfinder on the same morning was a momentous occasion. I didn’t get great photos of either one of them but these shots won’t be victims of my delete button either.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
The first Merlin, perched on the ground in a phragmites burn from last year (thus the fire scar with new emerging grasses), was clutching remnants of a small bird in its left foot. I wasn’t close enough for very good detail but the little falcon was skittish so I fired away from a distance.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I got two shots as it took off but there were many things I didn’t like about the first one so I’m not including it. I would have liked this second one much better if the Merlin’s face was turned more towards me and I hadn’t clipped a wing. But I was lucky to get it at all because my pickup was actually moving forward when I snapped my shutter.
Besides, this is my first photo of a Merlin in flight with prey – imperfections or not.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Over two hours later I encountered another Merlin in a location far removed from where I photographed the first one so I believe they’re highly unlikely to be the same bird. I was close to this one but the setting was messy, there’s a twig in front of its rump and a small but annoying shadow across the top of its eye.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This Merlin gave me few pose variations other than to dip its head down as it watched me. I like the resulting coy look and the fact that moving its head got rid of that annoying shadow over the eye.
After a few shots I began to remove my teleconverter so I’d have room for takeoff photos without clipping any body parts but the falcon took off during the 4-5 seconds it takes me to make the swap. That happens so often I’m leery of making the switch, which means I’m usually screwed no matter what I decide to do.
I’m convinced birds do it to me deliberately…
Ron
I just have to laugh at all the “imperfections” in your wonderful images. I should be so lucky! Wonderful looking little falcon. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen one before, although they’re supposed to Winter in my area. I probably have, but thought it was something else — such as a Kestrel maybe. My bird identification is pretty poor. This is the first time I’ve commented on your blog, but I’ve been reading and drooling for about a month now. I think just about all your images are wonderful — particularly the sequences. Thank you so much for your dedication to perfection. And do please continue to post your “imperfect” “busy” images.
If I saw two Merlins in one day I would be over the moon, never mind getting some fine photos of them. So your self-criticisms are falling on deaf ears. Take the win and grin.
Ron, great shots. I’m glad you introduced me to Merlins and their behavior. They surely had their “eye” on you!!
Thank you, as always for great photos
Thanks, Alice. Merlins are wonderful little falcons.
Great Merlin shots. In the 2nd-to-last shot, I can really sense the “wheels turning.” He’s thinking about something important.
Yup, he’s thinking about why I’m so close, am I a potential threat and when am I going to swap out my TC so he can take off while I’m doing it. No question…
These are deiightful. I particularly like the fourth. However the ‘coy’ look is a total fib and reminds me of why I disagree with so many people who tell me that animals don’t lie. Some of them (like dogs and cats who are ‘starved’) are experts.
A photography judge who said ‘you get better shots in cages’, is a partial explanation of why so many people do unethical things to get their shots.
Excellent point in your last sentence, EC. And they compound the infraction by not disclosing their vile methods.
I’v loved all your shots over the years.
You are such a perfectionist, however
That keeps us on our toes!!
Never stop!!🙄👍🏻💕
Thanks very much for the encouragement, Linda.
Of course the birds do it deliberately! 😀 I enjoyed these shots – these raptors are so cute for such deadly hunters. I like the “messy” shots – just a reminder that you aren’t in charge.
No question about it, Kathleen. They must get some ornery satisfaction out of it… 🙂
In the Northeast Merlin are hard to come by so I love seeing images of them. I feel your pain with the background in the third and fourth images. I had a competition judge complain about the twigs in the background and tell me, “You can take much better photos of these birds in captivity.” Think he misses the point. Thank you as always for sharing!
Man, did he EVER miss the point!
That’s one of several reasons why I never enter photo contests. So many of the judges are less than clueless.
Thanks for relating that incident, Garrett. Sometimes I’m slightly tempted to enter a contest so it was a good reminder of part of the reason I don’t.
For all your self criticism, these are the best Merlin shots I’ve ever seen.
Charlotte
Thanks very much, Charlotte.
Yes those Merlins know exactly when you need to make that change and that is when they laughingly take off saying, “Sorry about that Ron.” 🙂
Nice photos though and thanks for sharing. With birds of all types you can so often count on Murphy to provide twigs in front of the face or branches somewhere shading the face.
Everett, they also know when I’m changing a setting or itching a scratch. And they invariably take advantage!
Gorgeous birds, and really great shots!
Thanks, Sallie.
NICE! 🙂 The burn area really shows off the Merlin without being an unnatural setting… The “coy” look of the last photo says “I’m really NOT the predator you think I am” 😉 Even with it’s flaws the take off shot is fine with me! I sometimes wonder if not having the lens pointed at the bird tells them it’s “safe” for the moment and off they go……? I KNOW (in my experience) raptors in particular are often aware of it pointing at them and often don’t like or are unsure about it.
I agree, Judy. Many birds are aware of things pointed their way, particularly those who have been shot as vermin for generations like magpies, ravens and crows. Throw in the intelligence of the corvids and they can be difficult photo subjects.
Beautiful catches! These are all terrific, shadow or not. I’ve never been able to photograph one as I don’t seen them often. Just love that coy look you got! 😍
Thanks, Kathy. They’ll be migrating through my area for the rest of the month so I’ll be looking for the opportunity to get some better shots of one.