The Merlin Falcon by danob
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Description
MERLIN (Falco Columbarius)
Taking its latin name for Pigeon where it has been mistakingly reffered to as the Pigeon Hawk, but it is a true Falcon. The Merlin is Britain's smallest falcon with a maximum wingspan of only 2ft, but it is probably the most active. It does not stoop on its prey but chases it down in high speed pursuit, rising above the prey at the last instant to strike downwards with its talons.
Britain's 1,300 Merlin pairs represent about 95% of the total European population. It is a population which continues to decline: the reasons for the fall are not fully understood but, since the Merlin is a predominantly ground-nesting bird which preys largely on small birds, one of the major factors would be secondary pesticide poisoning.
The Irony is that the best places for it's survival are on the Grouse moors where it may then come under the persecution of game keepers..
Tnanks for taking time to look and any comments
Comments (42)
Kid_Fisto
a Merlin! what a great shot! they're beautiful birds. i'd love to see one, where was this shot?
kenwas
Amazing clarity of the this image. What a great shot.
RodolfoCiminelli
Wonderful photo of impressive detail Daniel.....!!!!
kansas
What a beautiful bird! The coloring is very nice. Beautiful photo. Thanks for the info. Yes, pesticide and herbicide have reduced the population of many kinds of birds in our area. A true crime.
jimken61
Great capture and detail.
Punaguy
Excellent details and color once again here Danny, boy I wish I had a chance to shoot some of these birds...but you and Jim have cornered the market...Have a great weekend! Aloha!
jcv2
Wow, so Merlin has changed into this bird after Arthur's leave! ;) Fantastic work, Danny, crips and clear!
sharky_
Such a beautiful bird. Excellent. Aloha
Undertaker
Great shot.
Laelia
Surch the french name of your wonderful falco columbarius.. ( your one is a female cause brown, male is grey )It's faucon erillon, and read that it could live 11 years !!!! Fantastic ! Thanks for that education !! The website I visited thanks to you : http://www.oiseau-libre.net/Oiseaux/Especes/FauconEmerillon.html
GBCalls
Super keen photo!
CDBrugg
beautifully done :-))
nongo
WOW, she's a true beauty!!!!! brilliant portrait!!!
pm_hackworth
VOTE VOTE VOTE
ovag
Amazing shot.
ToxicPink
Fantastic!! Excellent image.
john010766
beautiful just beautiful
Nath06
Perfect shot as usual!!! Bravo :)
vlaaitje
SUCH A GORGEOUS DETAILS......SUPERB
YohannR
Beautifull...!!!!!!!!! V
SoulSearcherr
goodness...this is one heck of a shot..S
Hendesse
Excellent shot of this majestic bird. Outstanding details. Fantastic!!!
Ger50
Gorgeous bird Danny, so sharp, Love the details in the feathers. I went today with Ilona to Mondo Verde where you went with her last time. It was very sunny, so we had a nice time there.
rainbows
I do not think you could get a better caputure of this truly majestic bird. I have never seen one in my life! For this, I say thank you. Awesome work, Daniel...
Hopalong
The "Pigeon" may refer, not mistakenly, to its size in the popular view. Shopping centers, asphalt, insecticides, autos and pollution, chemical waste, radioactivity, plastic, lack of habitat and prey, prey soaked in chemicals and pollutants, and so on and so forth--in short what plagues all in one way or another, and whether one knows it or not. Merely by the way, Fellini's garish and at the same time supersubtle Roma is pertinent....(and merely by another way has some of the most excellent cinematic night shots ever filmed).
Margana
Awesome shot Dan,and thanks for the info.I've never seen one of these before.Lovely creatures they are.It's a shame their population is dwindling...Hopefully something will be done before it's too late...
newleaf
Proper job! my friend
jared99
Fantastic image! Very interesting yellow highlight around its eyes and beak.
Loloe
Wow!!!!!!!!!!Another stunning capture!!!Superb!!! Bravo!!!!
tmathise
Splendid capture Danny! You must have your own aviary, or a super, SUPER telephoto to consistently get these magnificent captures (wink). Most excellent work my friend! Have an awesome week.