Ceriwis - Merlin, the Series

I had an opportunity to take a drive out to the San Luis NWR yesterday. I wanted to see if the water was filling up so I can go back in the early morning to take some shots of waterfowl. I also wanted to capture some of the Tule Elk and find a great place to set-up for sunset. Got a few shots of the Elk. They weren't as cooperative as I've seen in the past. Couldn't find a "great" place to capture the sunset, but got a great shot of the moon. 
 
As I was driving around the 5-mile loop, I saw what I thought was a Red-tail Hawk, eating. I took a few shots, drove closer, shoot again etc. Got as close as I dared and got these. Come to find out that this was a Merlin, my first! 
 
<img src="http://www.imagesinthebackcountry.com/images/web_temp/_MG_0259.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
<img src="http://www.imagesinthebackcountry.com/images/web_temp/_MG_0263.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
<img src="http://www.imagesinthebackcountry.com/images/web_temp/_MG_0264.jpg" border="0" alt="" />
 
<img src="http://www.imagesinthebackcountry.com/images/web_temp/_MG_0277.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> 
 
<img src="http://www.imagesinthebackcountry.com/images/web_temp/_MG_0278.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> 
5D, 300mm f/4L IS, 1.4x II
&n