Snooty

Was the first thing I thought when I saw this pose. This young Merlin was very tolerant of me as were its parents.
Doug

This is a portrait. Doug, where is this bird? Is the nest nearby or did you just on apon it.

Asher

Ah, the unwarranted confidence of youth! (and yes, I know one shouldn't indulge in anthropomorphism)

Where's the "hairlight" on those little white feathers at about 2 o'clock from his eye coming from? Is that mist in the background?

Wonderful light on a wonderful creature. Well done.

Nill
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www.toulme.net

Asher I found a Merlin nesting tree 3 years ago just at the edge of treeline in the mountains just behind us. I pretty much have the nesting cycle down and can find the fledglings within a day or to after leaving the nest. I dont go near the nest site until Im sure the young can fly. I can see it with bins from about a 100 yards. Most young hawks and falcons stay very close to their nest for a couple weeks even after they can fly and the adults continue to feed them. I spend a couple days getting them used to me and slowly move in on them. I was only able to shoot these lovelys for one day on the sun this year. BTY there were 3young.
Will thats the sun coming from the left. The BG is a mountain about a mile away and it was in the shade.
Thanks ALL
Doug

"Portrait" is right. So well done I bet you could even sell one to his parents.

Seriously, very unique pose and capture. Well framed. Nice exposure with the slight rim lighting. Good stuff.