I noticed in my Facebook memories that four years ago this morning was when I found my first of season Merlin out on the mudflats at Farmington Bay WMA.
Merlin on a snowy and foggy morning – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 800, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
Merlins are not year round residents in northern Utah, they do not breed in the state, and these small, stocky falcons usually start showing up again about this time of year. Some of the Merlins are passing through and some will overwinter here.
The Merlin I found four years ago was a long way from where I sat in a mobile blind and the falcon was somewhat challenging to point it out because it looked like a small lump of mud. I didn’t get any great photos of that bird but I watched it as some daring American Pipits got close to where the Merlin was on the flats.
Thinking about that Merlin brought me back to memories of the first decent photos that I was able to take of this species in northern Utah. It was a snowy, foggy January morning at Farmington Bay WMA when I spotted that first Merlin perched in a tree in 2012.
High key Merlin at Farmington Bay WMA – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 800, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
With the snow white background and low light conditions my best option on that day was to attempt to take high key type photos of the Merlin as it rested on a dead branch in the tree. Even though I had tough conditions when I photographed this individual I always recall how fortunate I felt to find and photograph my first Merlin in Utah.
The temperatures here have cooled down, there is snow on the tops of the Wasatch Mountains, and the cold fronts that are blowing into the Salt Lake Valley could bring the Merlins back any day now. I don’t see Merlins as often as I do American Kestrels, Prairie, and Peregrine Falcons so when I do I am always thrilled. I am anxious to start looking for them again.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Merlin photos plus facts and information about this species.
I love how you captured the subtle colors of the Merlin set against winters muted light. The eye contact is wonderful. Perfect shots. Thanks Mia.
I am not at all surprised that you are excited at the thought of seeing these beauties again. April’s comment gave me hope that you WILL find one again soon.
Stunning photos. I do not envy you snow at all and esp not this early in the year but at least it may bring you some lovelies like these to “shoot”.
Lovely photos. There has been a Merlin at Farmington bay, he is very jumpy. Sometimes he is on egg island and in the Russian olive trees along the pond and road. Mostly I have seen it when walking in the Eccles area.
Absolutely Beautiful shot, many thanks for sharing!
Beautiful bird!
Beautiful!!