JeffWendorff's bird photography portfolio includes the
Merlin, Falco columbarius.
Merlins are small, fierce falcons that use surprise attacks to bring down small songbirds and shorebirds. They are powerful fliers, but you can tell them from larger falcons by their rapid wingbeats and overall dark tones. Medieval falconers called them “lady hawks,” and noblewomen used them to hunt Sky Larks.
Merlin populations have largely recovered from twentieth-century declines, thanks to a ban on the pesticide DDT and their ability to adapt to life around towns and cities.
The name “
Merlin” comes from esmerillon, the old French name for the species.
Merlins used to be called “pigeon hawks” because in flight they look somewhat pigeon-like. Their species name, columbarius, is also a reference to pigeons.
Jeff leads photography workshops around the country including workshops that specialize in bird photography. If you’d like to learn more about his nature and wildlife photography workshops, visit his website at
www.wildlifeworkshops.com
