Merlin and gull.

[mn shutterbug]

I went out yesterday looking for raptors. A friend had seen dozens of hawks and about 15 bald eagles the day before. However, it's a lot like fishing. "You should have been here yesterday". I saw a lot of hawks in the morning, 50 - 75 miles south of here, but they were scarce in this area. I counted 3 hawks and 1 eagle. I also brought my mother along to see some fall colors before the leaves came down.

While my mother was visiting a restroom, I walked over to a bridge and snapped a shot of a ring billed gull. A few seconds later, this Merlin came out of nowhere screaming, and dive bombed the 2 gulls. They disappeared fast and he landed a long ways off. Unfortunately, 400mm wasn't near enough but it was still a neat experience.

At least I got a chance to try out my "new" 50D.

[Eric D]

great shots...Love the detail in the Gull shot!

[paulnj]

Awesome find on that merlin!