Four Images of the more aggressive of the two young Merlins devouring its breakfast. The Merlin changes position on the branch a few time as something appeared to startle it. As I indicated in my previous posting, its sibling did not return to this tree this morning during the hour that remained there.

For several mornings I went to the site at 6:00 AM, just before the sun would rise over the trees. The Merlins' nest was located at the top of a large Pine tree; however, they now seemed to prefer perching in a large dying Oak Tree located a few houses over. Usually, when I arrived at the site,there were no Merlins perched in the Oak Tree; however, almost on cue, first one then the second of the two young Merlins would appear suddenly between 6:30 - 6:45, seemingly waiting for breakfast to be served. A few times one of the adults would join them for a while before going off on the hunt. It was easy to tell when one of the adults was returning with its prey. The two young would start their loud squawking for attention when Mom or Dad were still considerable distance away. My observations are that the young do not share a prey. Rather they each seem to get their own, which they now have to de-feather and devour on their own - no more help from Mom. Soon, I think they will be catching their own dinners.







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