I was born and raised on the edge of the South Pennine moors in Yorkshire, and it is fair to say that even today, Merlin is probably my favorite raptor. For such a small bird, they are fast, powerful hunters and a bird I always love to see either on the moors, on a fen or salt marsh in winter, or dashing across a winter stubble field when I’m doing a Winter Bird Survey. So, for me, The Merlin is the book many of us birders have been waiting for. It’s a genuinely impressive deep dive into Europe’s smallest and arguably most exciting falcon, the Merlin (Falco columbarius).
If your sightings of Merlins are like a lot of mine, a blur of grey and chestnut flashing low over the coast or a distant hill, then you’ll appreciate how elusive this bird can be. Rennie, who has watched Merlins for years, especially in the Outer Hebrides, takes everything that’s known about this little rocket and puts it all in one place.
This isn’t just a British book; it covers Merlin’s entire range across the Northern Hemisphere. It’s fascinating to learn about the huge variety in their lives. You discover that while ‘our’ UK birds often nest on the ground among heather, Merlins in places like North America happily nest in trees, sometimes even setting up shop in city parks!
The book also explains their complex migration, showing that the Merlins we spot tearing about in winter might have flown over from places as far as Iceland or Scandinavia. This adds a great dimension to every sighting.
Rennie starts with the history of the species, but quickly moves into the good stuff: its hunting prowess, feeding habits, and breeding across different habitats. It’s all backed up by an incredible amount of research, yet the writing remains clear and easy to follow; you don’t need a degree in ecology to get through it.
Crucially, the book also addresses the very real challenges Merlins face today. It tackles the impact of habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, framing the Merlin as a key indicator of how healthy our wild environments are.
For the average birdwatcher, The Merlin is a superb resource. It’s thoroughly researched but completely accessible, giving you a comprehensive understanding of a bird that often just appears as a brilliant, fleeting moment. It’s the definitive guide on the species, offering both the facts and a real appreciation for this superb little falcon. If you’ve ever had your day brightened by a low-flying Merlin, this book is for you.
The Merlin: The Ecology of a Magical Raptor
September 30, 2025
By Frank Rennie
Pelagic Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-1784275556
A Merlin once flew at full speed through, yes THROUGH, my group of Portuguese birders to surprise a group of Skylarks. I assumed this to be a happy coincidence until another Merlin (no relation) used my little entourage in Mexico to do the same to a group of sandpipers. They’re sneaky b…..ds, but to see them fly 30 cm (one foot for those imperially inclined) above the ground at full speed is a magnificent sight, and all is forgiven.