Wow, what a day!

[finnbay]

Took a walk today to check on a local eagles nest:

Didn't look like there was any activity there yet, but this guy flew by as I was standing on the ice looking at it:

Got home and was downloading my card when I looked out my office window and saw this looking back at me from about 25 feet:

I snapped about 10 frames throught the window (with a screen) and then figured I might as well try to get a photo around the corner of the house. I snuck out the front door and slowly stuck the camera around the corner and got a couple of these:

He took off immediately, screaming as he went!

I'm new to this game, but I'm guessing - merlin? - and I think his meal is a mourning dove.

[Steve Foss]

Ken, right on both counts. Merlin and mourning dove. Great find and nice shots.

[mmeyer]

Wow, that was a great day!! I'm not sure on the I.D. but it's a great surprise. Really nice that he/she let you get a shot outside before flying away!!

[Dbl]

Whoa! That is a cool catch. Great work Ken!

[MN Shutterbug]

Wow, that was quite a day. It's a good thing you didn't have to settle for the shot of the merlin thru the window, the other one is so much better.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Well, only somewhat correct mr STF... Merlin, and WAS a Morning Dove.. dont think its much of one anymore...

Great pict though... if you are a Merlin fan.. LMAO

[mountaindew]

Yikes! That's a mean looking Merlin! Great day for ya! Nice set!

[JayinMN]

Wow those are great, somedays it just doesn't pay to leave the house....lol

[buzzsaw]

That last image is sweet! Nice timing!

[Moose]

Ken,

Was that nest on Birch Lake? We were up for Easter doing some crappie fishing and there was an active one out there right before the road takes a hard right around the point. She was carrying new nest material up to it.

[JR777]

I sure wish I could get that close to a Merlin or any other raptor for that matter. Great job!

[finnbay]

Moose,

Yes, this one is on Birch Lake but is back in a bay that doesn't see any traffic. There's another one not too far from the beach, and I think another on the end by the camp ground (I've heard about that one but haven't seen it myself).

[Moose]

Ken,

The one we were by was closer to the beach about 1 1/2 miles from the beach on the North shore. She was in and out of it a couple times hauling in nesting material.

[finnbay]

On the north shore? Between Dollar Hide and North Bay? That's one I haven't seen either. There is one southwest of the beach about a mile. That's been a good one the last couple of years. I'm going to jump on the 4-wheeler tomorrow and check things out. Yep, another nest to watch - I sure do love livin' here!

I've been watching the one in the photo. I can't quite see the nest from my house, but I can see eagle traffic going to that area from my house, and in all honesty, there hasn't been as much as there has been in the past. I hope they moved as opposed to something happening to them.

[Moose]

This one was before the road takes a right around a birch point and heads toward Currie islands. The nest was toward the left shore before you make the right around the point. There is a pile of 1/2 burnt wood on the ice from a campfire. Looking at the map I think it may be Norway Point or in that area.

[finnbay]

Thanks, Moose. I'll check it out.

[MARINERMAGNUM]

I never knew they were that colorful. Rare and special image. Fine job!