I've seen quite a few red merle border collies here in the UK. They aren't as common as other colours but I've seen more of them than the blue and white, another nice colour.
My dad has a red and white bitch who's dam was a red merle and a very strange red merle at that. Most merles are dominated by the paler colour with the patches of darker colour but Jens dam was mainly dark red with cream and white patches on her. Very striking.

Great pics btw. Our Jess used to love launching herself off high ledges and such into water. I miss her being young and totally crazy.

I see your snow is melting fast too. Thats what it tends to do here....on the rare occasion we get it these days.