|
|
Yamil Saenz
{K:12434} 11/17/2006
|
Hi Dave,
Thank you for your reply.
Rehabilitation and re-introduction programs of wildlife can generate controversy and I bet you, even if we consider Merlins a national emblem and we love them, a large group of these supreme predators can devastate the already poor biodiversity in an urban area.
To attract urban hawks such like Cooper's, here in California some hawk lovers encourage birders to keep bird feeders in their backyards. But our Cooper's hawk population is not that big.
Any way, I can't wait until my next encounter with another little Merlin.
Take care.
Yamil
|
|
|
|
Dave Holland
{K:13074} 11/15/2006
|
Outstanding sharpness, Yamil, your signature for sure. You've really shown the long fingers characteristic of this species as well.
In these parts there is a public outcry from the urban bird watchers community, as the growing Merlin population terrorizes songbirds. We have an active birds of prey center that rehabilitates injured raptors. Some of the public were none too pleased that rehabilitated Merlins were being released into our city to kill and further narrow the biologic diversity of our urban forest.
I find Merlins' loud and antagonistic attitude to be a little annoying, but it is interesting to see that life and death struggles still take place on our city streets. This August I saw groups of Merlins up to 30 strong practicing their hunting skills on each other. At times I thought I saw grouping and territorial behavior, with families of adolescent Merlins greeting other families with swooping claws. I also saw a small flock of Magpies bully a lone adolescent Merlin off of a perch. As though to say, you're not so tough.....
Cheers.
|
|
|
|
Andre Denis
{K:66407} 2/11/2006
|
Great in flight shot Yamil!
Not easy to get these guys in flight, I'll bet!
Andre
|
|
|
|
Ernie Basciano
{K:1940} 2/11/2006
|
wow. very nice.
|
|
|
|
Marcus Armani
{K:36599} 2/11/2006
|
Excellent Capture, I think this is one of your best shots! wonderful shot of a beautiful bird...
AWARD GOES HERE!!!!!!!
|
|
|
|
Dave Stacey
{K:150877} 2/11/2006
|
One of your best yet, Yamil! Great shot!
Dave.
|
|
|
|
Shirley Grove
{K:5514} 2/11/2006
|
Wonderful capture - well done!!!
What a beautiful bird - wow - that eye!
Regards
Shirley
|
|
0 
