I got to watch some of these beautiful birds in action in the Northern Territory. They had to call off the "birds of prey" show at the Alice Springs Desert Park when one of these magnificent birds came swooping down low from its clifftop nest high up above. The 'trained' smaller birds of prey were at definite risk of having all their training go to waste! We also saw other eagles in action at the edges of forest fires deliberately lit at that time of year for conservation reasons.
maalie... I went to a really interesting talk recently about the NZ falcon, by someone who had just completed doctoral research into it. It is pretty small as falcons go, and apparently very vicious if you go near its nest in nesting season!
A Merlin is also the name of the Rolls Royce engine that was used in 12 cylinder petrol Spitfires and Hurricanes during the war (and other planes).
Its origin is of course the name of the magician in the Knights of the Round Table (King Arthur stuff).
Kiwi, yes, the NZ Falcon is a small bird, but the European Merlin is even smaller. A male can look about the size of a thrush. In falconry days it used be known as the "Lady's Hawk".
lol simon I made a mistake when I was trying to sign in... so that is me as the author deleted. Maybe you can delete the evidence when you delete the spamer right above me ;-)
adam is obviously a really really stupid spammer who deserves to get caught in the eagle's talons and be dropped from a great height. Ahhh... with that abuse out of the way, now I feel better! Humid and warm here simon.
simon... lord knows how many times stupid spammer adam will visit from the airport in your absence. You had better give me your password in case you need him deleted while you are all dolled up in your winter woollies over there in Europe.
It looks stuffed! Must be from all that dancing to piano ...
ReplyDeleteDid you stuff it?
ReplyDeleteLtL
At least he has found a good home now, and I bet he enjoys being serenaded by you too.
ReplyDeleteI got to watch some of these beautiful birds in action in the Northern Territory. They had to call off the "birds of prey" show at the Alice Springs Desert Park when one of these magnificent birds came swooping down low from its clifftop nest high up above. The 'trained' smaller birds of prey were at definite risk of having all their training go to waste! We also saw other eagles in action at the edges of forest fires deliberately lit at that time of year for conservation reasons.
ReplyDeleteahahahah! you make me laugh!
ReplyDeletein real life they are amazing!
What I did when I got it was walk outside with it. We are surrounded by birds.. you should have seen them all fly flatout to get away from it!
It looks as if it's about to descend on your dog!
ReplyDeleteI saw a Merlin today, I believe it is the smallest falcon in the world (certainly in Europe).
maalie... I went to a really interesting talk recently about the NZ falcon, by someone who had just completed doctoral research into it. It is pretty small as falcons go, and apparently very vicious if you go near its nest in nesting season!
ReplyDeletehow small?
ReplyDeleteFord made a car called a merlin (I think)
Had to google to find out: 41-48cm
ReplyDeletehttp://lbarker.orcon.net.nz/NZbirds.html#falcon
and also:
http://www.wingspan.co.nz/falcon_facts.html
Thank you, Simon! Ever since you mentioned it, I had been dying to see what your piano-room wedgie looked like. It's simply gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThere is also a 16 ft racing dinghy called a Merlin Rocket.
ReplyDeleteLorenzo.
A Merlin is also the name of the Rolls Royce engine that was used in 12 cylinder petrol Spitfires and Hurricanes during the war (and other planes).
ReplyDeleteIts origin is of course the name of the magician in the Knights of the Round Table (King Arthur stuff).
Kiwi, yes, the NZ Falcon is a small bird, but the European Merlin is even smaller. A male can look about the size of a thrush. In falconry days it used be known as the "Lady's Hawk".
lol simon I made a mistake when I was trying to sign in... so that is me as the author deleted. Maybe you can delete the evidence when you delete the spamer right above me ;-)
ReplyDelete...not forgeting the MERLIN medium lift helicopter, a variant of the EH101 helicopter developed by AgustaWestland (formerly EH Industries).
ReplyDeleteW
Each and every time I walk through here, that bird is staring at me. Wonder why.
ReplyDeleteEagles do that Merisi!
ReplyDeleteI am sure he thinks I am his next meal ticket. ;-)
ReplyDeletethey are quite shy really...
ReplyDeleteadam is obviously a really really stupid spammer who deserves to get caught in the eagle's talons and be dropped from a great height.
ReplyDeleteAhhh... with that abuse out of the way, now I feel better! Humid and warm here simon.
Where've you been Simon? Are you on the way yet?
ReplyDeleteExcited Llama.
dear Excited llama.. I 've been working flat out...fly out this friday!!
ReplyDeletesimon... lord knows how many times stupid spammer adam will visit from the airport in your absence. You had better give me your password in case you need him deleted while you are all dolled up in your winter woollies over there in Europe.
ReplyDeleteyou are on! I did delete but you just never know when he will appear!
ReplyDelete