Merlin, the Series (Some w/Prey)

Hikin' Mike

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

IraRunyan

Nice shots, Mike. Looks like in the second to last shot that it was about to take off on you.

Hikin' Mike

IraRunyan wrote:

Nice shots, Mike. Looks like in the second to last shot that it was about to take off on you.

I was hoping he would, but he took off the other way. I missed that shot anyway.

Dennis Kaczor

Mike, these are very nice images. One bird that I seem to miss a lot. Just love these birds.

kgarrett11

Great shots. I like #4 the best.

Harryb

Excewllent set mike, good work.

dlplumer

Good capture Mike.

Tikibirdplay

Great shots Mike, I love wildlife photography. These are beautiful creatures. I just put up a couple of pics I took. Go check them out, I think you will like them.