Merlins have been used by falconers since medieval times, with written records dating back to at least 1486. They may be the UK's smallest bird of prey, but what they lack in size they certainly make up for in spirit.
 
The UK's wild population suffered a terrible blow during the organochlorine pesticide usage of the 1950s and 60s. Consequently, merlins are on the British Trust for Ornithology's red list. The use of these pesticides was curbed in the 1980s, but wild merlins are still threatened by illegal persecution that endangers all birds of prey in the UK.
 
10% of the sale of this piece will be donated to the BTO to help their work.
 
Limited edition print run of 45 featuring a reproduction of my coloured pencil drawing of a male merlin falcon.
 
Individually hand-signed and numbered
A4 size (29.7 x 21 cm)
Print sent mounted to fit a 14 x 11" frame
Printed on highest quality, 300gsm Somerset smooth archival paper
Printed using Giclee inks for archival quality and longevity
Signed certificate of authenticity included
Packaged in cardboard mailers with compostable eco-sleeves for safe travels around the world.
Print size will fit frames that are readily available off the rack.
 
Reference photo with kind permission from Michael Sanders