Merlin (Falco columbarius) - 27Feb2016

The Merlin is the sneak attack specialist of the falcons.  This particular bird was a perfect example.  My friend and I were scoping some shore birds including Semi-palmated Plovers, Piping Plovers and Greater Yellowlegs when this Merlin came in out of nowhere and quickly snatched an unsuspecting Semi-palmated Plover right in front of us.  I was not quick enough to snap photos of the attack as I was caught unaware as much as the shorebirds were. Luckily the Merlin decided to have her meal near by.