Image is cropped in on a Merlin falcon high up in a tree in High Park, Toronto. Imagine a sparrow that hit the gym too hard, decided it was a fighter pilot, and is constantly fueled by sheer, unadulterated caffeine. That is a Merlin falcon. Merlins look like they are constantly annoyed at the world. They often have a "What are you looking at?" expression, making them seem like the grumpy, tiny middle-managers of the bird world. They are often found wearing a "very intense stare" paired with a dark-streaked, brown or gray outfit. Male Merlins are even known to show off blue-gray "suits" once they've survived their first year. You might find them in your neighborhood casually eating another bird on top of a pole, completely unbothered by your paparazzi-style photography.

Yes, I know I'm small. Yes, I'm still better than you at everything.

#FierceAndFeathery #SmallBirdBigAttitude #OhMyDouglas
#MerlinTakesToronto #Wildlife #HighRiseRaptor #Birds #MerlinMonroe #Photography #HighParkHighFlyer
#TorontoTreeTreat #Art #TreeTopTerror #MerlinInThe6ix #FalconFury 🪶🦉🌿🦅🍁

NORTHERN HUNTER - The Northern Shrike is a fierce little predator. A songbird who is a meat eater. Stealthy & fast, they usually hunt for sparrow sized birds & mouse sized rodents. When it’s warmer they’ll eat a lot of insects as well. #birdphoto #nature #fierceandfeathery
- BDG