I could explain that the magic of this week was in part due to the tremendous variety of wildlife we experienced from Barred Owls and Sandhill Cranes to Red Wolves, Black Bears, Otters, Whales, Nutrias and about 17 Million birds. Or I could start by describing that we had secured reservations on a pelagic bird tour, (which is a fancy word for a seabirding tour), but the offshore weather postponed the trip by a couple days and my boss would not permit me to take off the extra time. Where do I begin? I could start by explaining what in the hell is the No Pants Birding Team. Photos by of on my beloved mirrorless monster, the #R5 alligator river nwr bird watching bird watching nc bird watching North Carolina birding birding nc birding north carolina birdwatching birdwatching nc Birdwatching North Carolina birdwatchingnc merlin merlin nc Merlin north carolina North Carolina birding Look for them during the winter months in higher numbers in our central & eastern coastal counties from September through March. Though it is believed that they do breed in North Carolina, generally Merlin’s are an over-winter transient and migratory visitor to the Tarheel State.Īs with the case of other raptors, they are usually spotted hunting above open tall grass fields.
PIN FEATHERS AND GOLLY FLUFF SERIES
Whenever waterfowl aren’t on its menu, Merlin’s also hunt mice, voles, rats and even insects (as what’s shown in this series of photos below). An interesting sight to imagine this demure falcon bringing down a duck but they do manage to do just that from time to time. Though Merlin’s are small compared to the Peregrine, both species are often seen hunting waterfowl. Merlin’s are a species of falcon and if you look closely at their plumage, they share similarities with their larger cousins the Peregrine.īoth birds have sharply curved beaks for tearing flesh and razor sharp talons designed specifically for snaring prey in their clutched grasp. It was really neat to see this tiny hunter bring it’s prize (a grasshopper) to her perch and then take delicate bites from her six legged snack. I spotted her few months ago while birding with & at the Alligator River NWR in eastern North Carolina.
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