The merlin is a small, fast falcon that preys on smaller birds on the wing. This merlin took its early morning catch to the top of a dead tree where it went about the process of consuming the small bird in a little over 30 minutes, before the sun cleared the surrounding tree tops. (Alexandria, VA)
The merlin positions its meal for cleaning.
Mouthfuls of feathers are expelled as the merlin prepares the bird for eating.
The merlin uses its sharp beak to tear and pull meat off the bird.
