Merlin Roust

[Glenn Conlan]

This Merlin provided us with many special moments. She is rousting before take off with a dragonfly in her sights and was very successful in catching them. When predators are focused on the hunt they become much more approachable and she was no exception, this was almost full frame. Shot from my car window on a beanbag D4 600mm, 1/5000 sec, ISO800, F6.3. Thanks for your helpful comments. I reduced the size of the post, not the best perch but thats what they commonly hunt from.

[Lorant Voros]

I like the fluffed feathers a lot; good IQ and nice BG. Agree about the perch, but for sure that is what they like:). TFS.

[arash_hazeghi]

Excellent pose, very sharp details and an excellent BG. I also like the talons. The perch isn't the best but not the worst.

TFS

[Andre Pretorius]

Hi Glen

Killer BG, Merlin tack sharp with good DOF.
Very intense pose with talon lifted.
Stunning image!

Question; why the 1/5000 with ISO800?

[Girish Prahalad]

excellent IQ & fluffed up pose. The BG is awesome & the perch is not a deal breaker.

[gail bisson]

Just love the BG colors in this. Great light. You are so fortunate to be able to get so close to thse birds.
The detail is so awesome because you can get so many pixels on the bird.
Excellent IQ and I like the way her talons are placed.
I am fine with the perch.
Lovely,
Gail

[Grace Scalzo]

That curled talon gives a hint of what's to come. Wonderful colors in the background and amazing details in this bird. One of my favs of yours so far, Glenn.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Glenn, great angle with the raised foot, and I do like the ruffled feathers. Overall, nice and sharp, love the smooth layered BG, and Im fine with the perch.

[shane shacaluga]

Very nice image. Agree with comments above. IQ composition and BG very good. This bird is ready for action

TFS

[Glenn Conlan]

Hi Glen

Killer BG, Merlin tack sharp with good DOF.
Very intense pose with talon lifted.
Stunning image!

Question; why the 1/5000 with ISO800?Thanks for the comment , I usually keep the shutter speed up above 2500 sec in anticipation for a flight shot. I could have lowered the ISO and stopped down a stop, I guess I was focused on the bird to much to realize that I could have been at 3200 or 4000 sec.

[Robert vanMierop]

Don't you love it when they ruffle for you? Great detail and bg. The fact that the perch is old and weathered helps a lot, and since they often use this type of perch it didn't detract from this image at all. Awesome talons!

[David Salem]

Great looking rousing pose Glenn. I don't mind the post at all and the BG looks beautiful in this one. We sure got fortunate getting to spend some time with this ultra cooperative Merlin last year. Probably a once in a lifetime opportunity but wouldn't it be awesome if she showed up again! See ya soon.