merlin (1 Viewer)

Out walking in the Antrim hills in Northern Ireland i came across what i think was a Merlin, i did see one last year and this bird looked exactly the same although i had a guy with me to confirm it, but as i was by myself this time and was wondering if someone would describe the flying pattern and area i would spot a merlin this would help me with a positive ID on it as the spot all happened very quickly.

Low, fast and direct

Merlin's are usually found on moorland during the breeding season but tend to wander come the wintertime and can then often be found around coasts and estuaries. Their flight can best be described as purposeful, fast and direct. They often belt along a few feet above the ground in pursuit of small bird prey relying on dogged persistence to fly it down. They don't go in for stoops like Peregrines and lack the supple almost lazy agility of, say a Hobby. They don't really hover either.

They're fabulous little falcons anyway oand bold enough to buzz a Golden Eagle if it intrudes into their airspace.