One of several merlins I had the pleasure of watching over the past few days at two different locations. The one above caught several small birds and watched as it plucked and ate its catch on open perches over a marsh area. One bird it could not catch was the kingfisher which eluded the merlins by diving into the water. At another location I watched bluejays mob a merlin, not giving it a moments rest. The merlin was intent on staying and did for some times before being driven away by the persistent and vocal bluejays.