Edit: Title should have been David &, not Samson &.
The Merlin did not appreciate the Bald Eagle flying by in the vicinity of its nest. Not sure if the Merlin's talons actually making contact with the eagle's head caused any pain or injuries.
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Canon EOS 5DS REF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens400mmf/8.01/2500s800 ISO0.0 EV
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Canon EOS 5DS REF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens400mmf/8.01/2500s800 ISO0.0 EV
3
Canon EOS 5DS REF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens400mmf/8.01/2500s1600 ISO0.0 EV
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Canon EOS 5DS REF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens400mmf/5.61/200s1600 ISO+0.3 EV
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NIKON D500300.0 mm f/4.0 lens420mmf/5.61/2500s450 ISO0.0 EV
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NIKON D500300.0 mm f/4.0 lens420mmf/5.61/2500s450 ISO0.0 EV
DAM...You knocked it outta the park on these ones, excellent shots.
Those Merlin's don't hold still at all around here, don't have many shots of them.
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#3 is something else.
Brilliant images, love the behavioural shots. As they're one of the species I nest find and monitor in the summer I can attest to how aggressive (and vocal) they are around the nest to other birds.
I believe this is the best sequence I have seen of a Bald Eagle being driven off by a smaller bird. I have a single image of an Eastern Kingbird escorting the eagle away, but......nothing like this.
Bill Gass said it... with this sequence you hit it out of park.
Erictator wrote:
Dang, that is one fearless and PO'd little Merlin! Wonderful series.
Eric
Thanks Eric. Yes, besides harassing eagles, I saw one chase a dove into a bush and kill. The merlin could only fly several feet carrying the dove because it probably weighed as much as the merlin.
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Bill Gass wrote:
DAM...You knocked it outta the park on these ones, excellent shots.
Those Merlin's don't hold still at all around here, don't have many shots of them.
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#3 is something else.
Thanks Bill. Some years they nest here and catch dragonflies over our ponds.
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Pitter wrote:
Great catches.
Thanks.
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Jim Dockery wrote:
Ditto all comments above Incredible action series. I also love the closeups of the merlin, esp. #4 - what a beautiful fierce little guy.
Thanks Jim. Nice-looking bird with large black eyes.
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twodees wrote:
Brilliant images, love the behavioural shots. As they're one of the species I nest find and monitor in the summer I can attest to how aggressive (and vocal) they are around the nest to other birds.
Thanks. They also harass Canada Geese that fly too close to their nest.
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Dave_E wrote:
Great sequence Tony. I am always amazed how fearless these smaller raptors are against much bigger birds. Those last three are super sweet.
Dave
Thanks Dave. The larger and slow eagle can't do much about little buzz-bombs.
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bs kite wrote:
Wow! Funny too.
I believe this is the best sequence I have seen of a Bald Eagle being driven off by a smaller bird. I have a single image of an Eastern Kingbird escorting the eagle away, but......nothing like this.
Bill Gass said it... with this sequence you hit it out of park.
Robert
Thanks Robert. I was lucky to see it and have my camera.
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louie champan wrote:
Incredible shots Tony those first few are amazing.
Incredible action series. I also love the closeups of the merlin, esp. #4 - what a beautiful fierce little guy. 