Radar.

Merlin has just returned from a walk in the cold, wind and snow and so feels entitled to a little nap; it is, however, essential that he monitors activities in the house for anything that he may turn to his advantage (food). You've heard about the portrait subject's eyes that follow you around the room; well, this ear, in vivo, similarly follows you.

The alert ear (and almost alert eye) reminded me of the character from the film and t.v. series, "M*A*S*H," Corporal Walter Eugene O’Reilly, aka Radar, portrayed by Gary Burghoff. Burghoff was the only actor to appear in both media versions.

He was endowed with extra-sensory perception, appearing at his commander’s side before being called and finishing said officer's sentences for him; he also possessed acute hearing, enabling him to detect incoming helicopters (and count them) before anyone else, including the official surveillance system. It was these abilities that earned him the nickname, "Radar."