Pluck

Gallery: AvianPosted December 16, 2010205 views11 comments

This will be the last merlin for now...

Nikon D300s 300 f4 + 1.7X TC resting on pillow shot from car window
f/8
1/1600s
ISO 500
-.33 EC

Cropped to 85% in CS5, sharpened, minor levels adjustment on 27" iMac

- Luke

Comments

11 comments

Comment posted by Randy Bacon on December 16, 2010 at 10:37 PM

Luke,

This has been a fascinating series, thanks for sharing. It must have been something to witness. While we could wish for a more "natural" setting, the Merlin could probably care less where lunch is served. Sweet shot.

Registered on November 24, 2008, 56 Posts, 492 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on December 16, 2010 at 10:46 PM

Great detail in both birds. Really sharp. Interesting series.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on December 16, 2010 at 10:47 PM

Wonderful series, Luke!
What luck to catch this fellow with prey and cooperating, too.
Excellent shots -

Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Andy Shepherd on December 17, 2010 at 4:18 AM

Super series of shots, Luke and this is another very good image. The feather in the Merlin's beak is a added bonus.

Andy...

Registered on September 24, 2006, 123 Posts, 1254 Comments

Comment posted by Sally King on December 17, 2010 at 9:51 AM

Love your series with this merlin, Luke. I think this one is my favorite with the feather in the mouth.

Registered on December 2, 2008, 416 Posts, 4450 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on December 17, 2010 at 10:11 AM

Wonderful opportunity you had that day.

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on December 17, 2010 at 7:50 PM

The prey and the flight feather in the beak make this shot for me Luke. Next time you'll get this kind of action on a more appealing perch.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Derrick Lipinski on December 17, 2010 at 8:35 PM

Very enjoyable series, Luke (although maybe not for the Sanderling)!

Registered on October 5, 2007, 58 Posts, 2039 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on December 17, 2010 at 11:00 PM

Fine image, although the angle is just a tad steep. Wonderful capture of the feeding behavior.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on December 18, 2010 at 8:32 AM

Luke,

The images you posted here of this merlin and the ones on your blog make a great behavior series. Well done.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on December 18, 2010 at 2:17 PM

Congrats on this series of images you captured with this feeding Merlin, Luke. Always a thrill to get a raptor with prey and your images are excellent.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments