Merlin, the Series (Some w/Prey)

[HikinMike]

I had an opportunity to take a drive out to the San Luis NWR yesterday. I wanted to see if the water was filling up so I can go back in the early morning to take some shots of waterfowl. I also wanted to capture some of the Tule Elk and find a great place to set-up for sunset. Got a few shots of the Elk. They weren't as cooperative as I've seen in the past. Couldn't find a "great" place to capture the sunset, but got a great shot of the moon.

As I was driving around the 5-mile loop, I saw what I thought was a Red-tail Hawk, eating. I took a few shots, drove closer, shoot again etc. Got as close as I dared and got these. Come to find out that this was a Merlin, my first!

5D, 300mm f/4L IS, 1.4x II

 

[robertwsimpson]

oh, THAT's a merlin



I want a 5d

 

[HikinMike]

oh, THAT's a merlin



I want a 5d

LOL!!! I was just going to post the link! :lmao:

 

[icassell]

Very nice! Beautiful images of a beautiful bird. #2 is my favorite. Is he eating on the stone that used to have a sword?

 

[HikinMike]

Very nice! Beautiful images of a beautiful bird. #2 is my favorite. Is he eating on the stone that used to have a sword?

It's a 12' tall fence post.

I watched him clean himself and flew away. I missed that shot.

 

[robertwsimpson]

4 looks like he's farting into the wind.


I'm sure he isn't though.







OR IS HE!?

 

[EricD]

Awesome captures...tight shots my friend!

 

[Moodyville-ain]

My mind went to the television series "Merlin" I'm looking at the post title, and wondering why merlin the TV series, is posted in wildlife

This is a much better surprise, then the TV series. It's hard to pick a favorite they are all good.

but got a great shot of the moon.

...... so you really can see the moon with that thing

 

[Wolverinepwnes]

very nice!

 

[HikinMike]

My mind went to the television series "Merlin" I'm looking at the post title, and wondering why merlin the TV series, is posted in wildlife

This is a much better surprise, then the TV series. It's hard to pick a favorite they are all good.

but got a great shot of the moon.

...... so you really can see the moon with that thing

:lmao:

Thanks everybody for looking!

 

[Wozza]

Great colours, lighting and sharpness. Very nice captures!