Tim writes: Merlins are scarce breeders on moorlands, mainly in the north but they do breed in places like Dartmoor. They usually nest on the ground among deep heather but will sometimes use old crow’s nests in trees. I photographed this adult female dashing rapidly over the Peak District Moors. They use this turn of speed to chase down small birds like Meadow Pipits which they lock onto, following every twist and turn as if they were attached by an invisible thread. They usually leave the hills and head for the coast in winter, which is when most people see them.
Taken with Nikon D500 with Nikkor 300mm f4 lens plus 1.4x converter at f8 1/1000 second ISO 220
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I recognise the ground.