Merlin

(Falco columbarius)

Where: Vienna, VA • 2008 Meadowlark Nature Photo Expo at Meadowlark Gardens (Rehab Bird)

Notes:This is a new image of a rehab bird from this years Meadowlark Nature Photo Expo. This was once again a great opportunity to attempt to capture some rare close-up detail portraits that are impossible to get in the wild. Events like this also help to fund the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia and their efforts to return injured birds to the wild. Last year the worked with over three hundred birds! However some birds, like this one, have injuries that prohibit their return to the wild. Birds like this are often utilized as part of educational programs and fund raising events. Allowing people to see some of our native raptors up close helps them to appreciate just how magnificent and special these birds are.

As this picture was taken, the Merlin seemed very distracted. It kept looking around nervously and occasionally would look up into the trees. This is when I realized that an immature Red-tailed Hawk was watching this little ten inch falcon from, only about fifty feet away. Apparently this Merlin was in the Red-tail's territory and it was there to defend its turf.