Three sequence shots: First, The Merlin is sitting high on its perch keeping a lookout for dinner (Mourning Doves). It appears to be giving us three photographers, a grinning salute. (Shot 1 of 3)


The merlin has spotted its prey, a group of Mourning Doves in a thicket, and is ready to pounce. (Shot 2 of 3)


The Merlin enters a thicket where about 7 Mourning Doves are gathered or hiding. It zeros in on one; however, no cigar this time as the Mourning Dove got away. Fot this last shot I was able to get within about 3 meters of the Merlin as it was fully concentrating on lunch and not on us photographers. (Shot 3 of 3)

Note: in the heat of the moment, I did forget to adjust my exposure setting for this shot; hence, the shot came out a bit dark or underexposed.