My Saturday, Dec. 15 book signing went really well! Thanks to those who came out and bought my Birds of Magnolia Cemetery book. It's always nice to meet fellow bird and nature lovers! Thanks also to the cemetery's super superintendent Beverly Donald for making this event possible!
My next signing is this Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the College of Charleston. I'll have a table on Cougar Mall in front of the Robert Scott Small building from noon- 2. Call or text me at 843.224.3112 if you need help with directions.
You know I never go to Magnolia Cemetery without my camera. And I'm sure glad I did as I scored some nice photos of a Merlin (which I originally thought was a Hawk). Merlins are members of the Falcon family.
Through my lens and binoculars it was hard to tell what the Merlin had caught and was eating. It wasn't until I got home and viewed the shots on my television and computer that I determined it was a bird. The Audubon Field Guide online confirms that Merlins feed mostly on small birds captured in high-speed mid-air pursuit. That is what Falcons are known for.
OK last carnage shot, not trying to gross out people!
I am updating this post in July 2024. I came across these photos and this old post while this summer updating my "Birds of Magnolia Cemetery" book. Pretty cool to discover a "lifer" bird 12 years after the fact!