That's very kind, hettmoe. Thank you. Have a great week. jak

Thanks for sharing, Manglesphoto. Much appreciated. Have a creative week. jak

Thank you, Sinewsworn. Have a great week. Get out there and make some great images. jak

Thanks for viewing and taking the time to write. Have a great week. jak

I
Rockdog, nice to hear from you. It appeared that the Merlin bit off and swallowed little chunks of the dragonfly in all their scaly glory. I’m going to have to research dragonfly anatomy now. Take care and keep,shooting. jak

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

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

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

Yes, that’s where I’ve seen the Yellow-eyed Junco and Bridled Titmouse as well as the Arizona Woodpecker. jak

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

Thanks, jd. Much appreciated.

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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Aha! Even more from Madera. Very nice. From the species you’ve photographed, I think I even know where you photographed most/all of them. Keep up the good work. jak

Thanks for sharing, Jack. Ain’t it fun when you can capture shots like this? Madera Canyon is a treasure. jak

Nice selection, beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing them. jak