Merlin on a Post

A Merlin pauses and preens on a post near photographer Gregg Thompson. Along with other maintenance needs, preening allows birds to reposition any displaced feathers. Since merlins are fierce hunters on the wing, a displaced feather could slow it's flight and cause it to miss catching dinner. This bird took quite a while to get every feather just right and possibly root out any parasites along the way.

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All photos are © Gregg Thompson and may not be used without permission.