This is one raptor I have not seen very much of this winter – at least not in spots where I can get a decent capture of it. This particular one was hanging out along the South Platte River north of Denver last week. I had hoped to get a bit closer to get a better view but of course it had other thoughts.

Merlins are small raptors, a bit bigger than a Kestrel, but are just as ferocious as the other members of the falcon family. They prefer to dine on other, smaller birds, attacking with extraordinary speed and ferocity.

Fast and furious might be too good adjectives to describe this little raptor. They are not easy to get pictures of as they tend to be skittish and when they take off, in my experience, they have a way of doing so at a speed and direction that makes getting a flight picture extremely difficult.

On this particularl day though, my finger was just fast enough to catch this one right as it launched into the air. I’m pleased with the image as it is very sharp and showcases the flight form of this falcon and its small but undoubtedly sharp talons – by far the best flight capture I have gotten of one of these.

Merlins are small raptors, a bit bigger than a Kestrel, but are just as ferocious as the other members of the falcon family. They prefer to dine on other, smaller birds, attacking with extraordinary speed and ferocity.

With temperatures in the teens, a healthy dose of frost and thick fog, the weather was not particularly kind for photography Sunday morning initially. The one benefit was that raptors were grounded, choosing to wait for clearer weather before taking to the skies. This little falcon was huddled up in a tree northeast of Denver and rather than flying off right away like Merlins are known to do, it opted to sit and pose for some pictures.

Merlins are small raptors, a bit bigger than a Kestrel, but are just as ferocious as the other members of the falcon family. They prefer to dine on other, smaller birds, attacking with extraordinary speed and ferocity.

Despite cold and snow yesterday I headed out after work for a quick tour. The raptors were quite active, unbothered by the wintry conditions. Among the sights was this gorgeous bird.

Merlins are small raptors, a bit bigger than a Kestrel, but are just as ferocious as the other members of the falcon family. They prefer to dine on other, smaller birds, attacking with extraordinary speed and ferocity. Fast movers and not normally ones to pose for pictures, this particular one decided to let me get a few captures before flying off.

Merlins are small raptors, a bit bigger than a Kestrel, and are just as ferocious as the other members of the falcon family. They prefer to dine on other, smaller birds, attacking with extraordinary speed and ferocity.

This particular female Merlin is the first I have seen this season and was spotted near Denver International Airport. I almost drove right by it, initially dismissing it as a dove or some other common bird. I’m glad I took a second look!

It was kind enough to sit long enough for me to grab a few poses before it headed off elsewhere. Certainly I would have preferred a more natural perch but out here on the plains, trees are sometimes few and far between so utility poles are where you find many raptors.

It does almost look like this cool little raptor is trying to influence me as it stares right at me. 😉 I came across this ??Merlin? not too far from my house in an open space area.

These small falcons typically eat other, smaller birds oftentimes attacking with extraordinary speed and force. They don’t usually build their own nests instead taking over old crow, raven, magpie and hawk homes.

Taken in Thornton, Colorado, USA.

These small but ferocious raptors are absolutely gorgeous and I was lucky enough to spot one today in a very busy tree near Denver International Airport.

Merlins typically eat other, smaller birds oftentimes attacking with extraordinary speed and force. They don’t usually build their own nests instead taking over old crow, raven, magpie and hawk homes.