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ed Walsh
Wantagh, NY, United States
10/11/15 I’m shooting a Merlin in the morning, light is perfect, he’s just sitting on a branch, a monarch butterfly lands in the pine tree right next to him. His attention goes all to the butterfly next thing you know…he pounces catches the Monarch flies about 20 yards and then let’s it go? Freakin Awesome! Still in awe of my own capture! lol
Week 9: Birds in Flight
Category: Eye Catchers
Merlin with a Monarch!
I think you just raised the bar on this category. People that already voted should hold off until the end. One never knows what is going to come in at the end.
thanks Dan!
Unbelievable shot!
Thanks Theresa!
I could look at this picture a long time, and I did. Very nice.
Thank you Ellen!
OMG! I passed by this photo a couple of times and I did not see the monarch in the Merlin’s talons! Now I did and I was just amazed. So, I had to get a closer look. What a dramatic photo that is so colorful and in focus! A uniquely dramatic scene.
Your description of watching the capture of the monarch and then seeing the Merlin drop it, was very surprising and interesting. We can only hope the monarch lived and made its final destination in Mexico. The Merlin surely nabbed another insect prey lived on too!
Great! You have my vote!
Thanks so much Donna!
nice
Thanks Susie!
Incredible! Perfect timing and photography skills!
WOW!
Ed, Your photo is amazing! I am an avid butterfly enthusiast and have been rearing Monarchs for many years (I watch birds, too!), so I was delighted that the Merlin took mercy on that one! He probably realized what he’d caught and knew it would taste awful! Great shot! Kathy
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