Merlin
Nov 5, 2023 11:24:41 #
During our monthly bird survey of Pond 1 at San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine on Friday morning, we were pleasantly surprised when we sighted a beautiful Merlin perched high in a tree, enjoying a meal of dragonfly. It flushed and returned six times. It seemed to be following us as we walked the path between Ponds 1 and 2. I have never had such a prolonged or close view of this species, which is a rarity at this location. Hope you enjoy the attached. jak
First view of Merlin with its dragonfly meal.
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Perched about 15' above me.
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Same bird, later perch.
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And yet a later view after it has caught an additional dragonfly.
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Chowing down yet again.
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Nov 5, 2023 12:00:17 #
Nov 5, 2023 13:37:48 #
Nov 5, 2023 14:29:14 #
It must take a bunch of Dragons to make a meal! Even for a Merlin.
Great shots!
Great shots!
Nov 5, 2023 14:40:44 #
Nov 5, 2023 14:45:00 #
Retired CPO wrote:
It must take a bunch of Dragons to make a meal! Even for a Merlin.
Great shots!
Great shots!
Thanks, CPO. yes, probably would take a bunch. At that location there really are a bunch. They say insects would be a good alternative source of protein (crickets, ants, locusts, caterpillars???). Thanks for writing. jak
Nov 5, 2023 15:25:00 #
jak86094 wrote:
During our monthly bird survey of Pond 1 at San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine on Friday morning, we were pleasantly surprised when we sighted a beautiful Merlin perched high in a tree, enjoying a meal of dragonfly. It flushed and returned six times. It seemed to be following us as we walked the path between Ponds 1 and 2. I have never had such a prolonged or close view of this species, which is a rarity at this location. Hope you enjoy the attached. jak
What a first-class set - and he sure had a grip on that little damselfly 🔟🔟🔟🔟🔟
Nov 5, 2023 17:07:35 #
Thanks Joe. That set of photos showed at least 3 separate insects that it had caught and was eating while we watched it over about 10-15 minutes Thanks for the kind words. jak
Nov 5, 2023 20:24:14 #
jak86094 wrote:
During our monthly bird survey of Pond 1 at San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine on Friday morning, we were pleasantly surprised when we sighted a beautiful Merlin perched high in a tree, enjoying a meal of dragonfly. It flushed and returned six times. It seemed to be following us as we walked the path between Ponds 1 and 2. I have never had such a prolonged or close view of this species, which is a rarity at this location. Hope you enjoy the attached. jak
Very nice, the dragon gives scale,
Nov 5, 2023 22:35:36 #
Nov 5, 2023 23:38:20 #
Thank you, kpmac. That's very kind. It was a really exciting photo experience and a really beautiful creature. Hope you have had a great weekend and that the coming "non-daylight savings" week goes well. jak
Nov 5, 2023 23:50:22 #
Nov 6, 2023 01:40:15 #
Hey Mike. Great to hear from you. Glad you liked the pics. Mostly luck and taking lots of pictures of a beautiful subject. Have a great week. jak
Nov 6, 2023 02:13:25 #
jak86094 wrote:
During our monthly bird survey of Pond 1 at San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine on Friday morning, we were pleasantly surprised when we sighted a beautiful Merlin perched high in a tree, enjoying a meal of dragonfly. It flushed and returned six times. It seemed to be following us as we walked the path between Ponds 1 and 2. I have never had such a prolonged or close view of this species, which is a rarity at this location. Hope you enjoy the attached. jak
Great series!
Nov 6, 2023 06:26:13 #
jak86094 wrote:
During our monthly bird survey of Pond 1 at San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine on Friday morning, we were pleasantly surprised when we sighted a beautiful Merlin perched high in a tree, enjoying a meal of dragonfly. It flushed and returned six times. It seemed to be following us as we walked the path between Ponds 1 and 2. I have never had such a prolonged or close view of this species, which is a rarity at this location. Hope you enjoy the attached. jak
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