Forgot about this photo that I took in Cornwall back in September! There was a small flock of finches flitting about on the cliff at Holywell Bay near Newquay. Couldn't make them out with the naked eye so took a photo! Looked at it straight away & decided that they were linnets (please let me know if you think otherwise!)
It wasn't until later that I noticed a small bird of prey on the bottom left of the pic (this is cropped a fair bit hence the low quality - they were a long way up!!). At the time, I thought it to be a kestrel, but now I'm thinking that it's a merlin due to the colouration and size. What do you think?
The other thing which rather surprises me is that the linnets seem not to be taking any notice of him, and neither is he of them!!! Is it a case of: 'I can see the BoP, so it can't get me'? Or wouldn't a merlin tackle a finchsized bird?
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Sorry MarJus, must be my old eyes playing up, but I only see Linnets, I don't see enough size difference between top one and bottom one. It would need to be twice the size.
Not that I've had too many close encounters with Merlin. On the other points, I believe they will take up to thrush size, again not ever seen this. Could the bottom one be angled to look bigger or perhaps as it has seen you be preparing to take flight. I do think a finch flock would be brave enough to get close, mostly in flight, but they dont look like they are in any way trying to challenge the bottom bird.
Perhaps my old eyes just need more detail. Soz no real help.
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
Hi MarJus
What an interesting picture.
Strange how the Finches did not see the bird that tyhey would normally be terrified of. Maybe that is why they feeel safer in groups so they did not fly off straight away as any birds normally would. Oh yes I am sure that a Merin would happily eat a Finch
From what I can see, there is a pinkish blush colour on the birds chests. So I would say that you have Linnets in your picture. That is their typical behaviour to be in a good sized group sitting in a field, or sitting together in a row on a utility wire.
Regards
Kathy and Dave
Rockwolf said: Forgot about this photo that I took in Cornwall back in September! There was a small flock of finches flitting about on the cliff at Holywell Bay near Newquay. Couldn't make them out with the naked eye so took a photo! Looked at it straight away & decided that they were linnets (please let me know if you think otherwise!) It wasn't until later that I noticed a small bird of prey on the bottom left of the pic (this is cropped a fair bit hence the low quality - they were a long way up!!). At the time, I thought it to be a kestrel, but now I'm thinking that it's a merlin due to the colouration and size. What do you think? The other thing which rather surprises me is that the linnets seem not to be taking any notice of him, and neither is he of them!!! Is it a case of: 'I can see the BoP, so it can't get me'? Or wouldn't a merlin tackle a finchsized bird?
Marjus, we have looked at this bird from all angles and enlarged it but we agree with John. As John says it should be at least twice the size of a linnet and it definitely isn't, even though it is nearer the camera. Sorry, we need more votes on this one but we say Linnet.
Maybe it's just me then! I'd convinced myself that this bird was slightly bigger, had different colour wings and more importantly, had a hooked beak! But then the photo just isn't clear enough... Wishful thinking maybe!
I have studied your photo as the other members have, enlarging it and cropping it etc.
I'm afraid I can also only see Linnets, as John has explained the Merlin is approx 27cm - 33cm and a Linnet is 13.5cm.
The bird in the foreground would be much larger, also checking this bird it shows the pinkish breast and upper breast feathers of a Linnet!
Sorry if this spoils a Merlin moment!!
Regards Buzzard
Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way
Hi,
I can see 6 linnets, including one bottom left near a green leafy clump. The head patterns fit linnet not merlin
sorry guys!
S
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Thanks all! Linnets they (all) are! :-)
Glad that it is all sorted now.
Shows how we all interpret detail in pictures
Wish it was a BoP too {smile}
I am sure the Linnets would have off like a shot.
Rockwolf said: Thanks all! Linnets they (all) are! :-)