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Female Merlin (w)

Discussion

7 replies
Posted by Vincent Jones on February 15, 2007 at 4:48 PM
Female Merlin (w)
Whilst out & about today visiting some of our project sites, I came across this little lady, this female Merlin made my day as they don't normally sit around waiting for their photo to be taken lol.

Thanks for looking :toast:

D70 - 600mm AF-S F4
ISO 200, F4, 1/200th sec
Using vehicle as a hide

Sky was very dull so I had to underexpose to get some plumage detail. Typical British Sky :biggrin:

This is about 30% crop to frame
Posted by Paul Gibbs on February 15, 2007 at 4:52 PM
Nice bird Vincent! I remember seeing them in my childhood near newent. They are such fantastic hunters.
Posted by Helge Sorensen on February 16, 2007 at 2:06 AM
Lucky you Vincent, any Merlin is a good Merlin :wink: In spite of the high-key you have managed to let the colours stand out a lot, but I find it very light, almost like some of the American light races ?
Posted by Rob Fisher on February 16, 2007 at 3:37 AM
Vince,

Excellent image of amazing bird.

Well done. :toast: :toast:

Rob
Posted by Jim Greenfield on February 16, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Only ever see these zipping away over the heather - very nice shot with lovely feather detail.
Posted by Rene de Heer on February 16, 2007 at 11:50 AM
I also have only seen them speeding by. The background is a bit lifeless but the bird looks great with good detail!
Rene de Heer
Posted by Martin Dyer on February 17, 2007 at 4:32 PM
Great to see this little lady.

Good one
Martin :cool:
Posted by Justin on February 17, 2007 at 6:05 PM
What a great species to come across perched,or even flying for that matter.A fine,detailed result. :cool: