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Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus
Juvenile
The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), also known as the peregrine, and historically as the duck hawk in North America, is a widespread bird of prey (raptor) in the family Falconidae. A large, crow-sized falcon, it has a blue-grey back, barred white underparts, and a black head. As is typical of bird-eating raptors, peregrine falcons are sexually dimorphic, with females being considerably larger than males. The peregrine is renowned for its speed, reaching over 320 km/h (200 mph) during its characteristic hunting stoop (high-speed dive), making it the fastest member of the animal kingdom. According to a National Geographic TV programme, the highest measured speed of a peregrine falcon is 389 km/h (242 mph).
The peregrine's breeding range includes land regions from the Arctic tundra to the tropics. It can be found nearly everywhere on Earth, except extreme polar regions, very high mountains, and most tropical rainforests; the only major ice-free landmass from which it is entirely absent is New Zealand. This makes it the world's most widespread raptor, and one of the most widely found bird species. In fact, the only land-based bird species found over a larger geographic area is not always naturally occurring, but one widely introduced by humans, the rock pigeon, which in turn now supports many peregrine populations as a prey species. The peregrine is a highly successful example of urban wildlife in much of its range, taking advantage of tall buildings as nest sites and an abundance of prey such as pigeons and ducks. Both the English and scientific names of this species mean "wandering falcon," referring to the migratory habits of many northern populations. Experts recognize 17 to 19 subspecies, which vary in appearance and range; disagreement exists over whether the distinctive Barbary falcon is represented by two subspecies of Falco peregrinus, or is a separate species, F. pelegrinoides. The two species' divergence is relatively recent, during the time of the last ice age, therefore the genetic differential between them (and also the difference in their appearance) is relatively tiny. They are only about 0.6–0.8% genetically differentiated.
While its diet consists almost exclusively of medium-sized birds, the peregrine will occasionally hunt small mammals, small reptiles, or even insects. Reaching sexual maturity at one year, it mates for life and nests in a scrape, normally on cliff edges or, in recent times, on tall human-made structures. The peregrine falcon became an endangered species in many areas because of the widespread use of certain pesticides, especially DDT. Since the ban on DDT from the early 1970s, populations have recovered, supported by large-scale protection of nesting places and releases to the wild.
The peregrine falcon is a well respected falconry bird due to its strong hunting ability, high trainability, versatility, and – in recent years – availability via captive breeding. It is effective on most game bird species, from small to large.
Population:
UK breeding:
1,500 pairs
The Peregrine Falcon is a very fast flier, averaging 40-55 km/h (25-34 mph) in traveling flight, and reaching speeds up to 112 km/h (69 mph) in direct pursuit of prey. During its spectacular hunting stoop from heights of over 1 km (0.62 mi), the peregrine may reach speeds of 320 km/h (200 mph) as it drops toward its prey.
There were two Prairie Falcons at the terminal today. Digit (L) is a female and has been observed there since 2016. She was nicknamed Digit because one of her talons is permanently unbendable and sticks straight out.
The cere and legs of an adult Prairie Falcon are yellow. The cere and legs of an immature are are a blue-gray colour.
Although not evident in this dyptych, the immature bird is noticeably smaller than Digit. I think it is a male.
Alberta Grain Terminal. Edmonton, Alberta.
This falcon had just finished eating a small mammal at the top of a telephone pole and is cleaning his talons here.
Town of Northumberland (NY)
Peregrine Falcon
Many thanks to all those who View, Comment and or Fave My Photos... It is greatly appreciated... Roy
All images full frame unless the filename reflects "Crop"
This falcon had no problem getting his breakfast. This is five frames showing the action to the ground with a pigeon..
Alberta grain terminal Edmonton Alberta.
This Peregrine Falcon sits atop a light standard in a riverside park .... perfectly comfortable in urban environments.
***** UPDATE , This Falcon has been identified as "Tonga" a female hatched in 2003 from a nest site at the Mississauga Executive Center in Mississauga ON. *****
Brown Falcon, Falco berigora
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This bird was sitting on a clump of grass by the roadside.
So much so that we only glanced it at the very last moment.
Halcón de Cuello Rojo, Red-necked Falcon, Falco ruficollis.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Northern Cape
South Africa
Peregrine Falcon - Falco Peregrinus
A Reduced sequence of shots showing the Peregrine with a Black Headed Gull, which was taken mid stream on the River Ogmore....The peregrine then gamely managed to get the prey to the far bank!
Ogmore
Brown Falcon, Falco berigora
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Cassia, of Cinnamon was enjoying another moment in the sun, when the local Magpie neighbour hood watch arrived in the tree above.
She is just about ready to drop away and run low to the ground to a safer spot.
Peregrine Falcon
Many thanks to all those who View, Comment and or Fave My Photos... It is greatly appreciated... Roy
All images full frame unless the filename reflects "Crop"
30x40 in 76x101 cm
None of my work is Ai assisted and is copyright Rg Sanders aka Ronald George Sanders.
This is the second half of a selection of 6 photos from a take-off sequence. The first three are coming tomorrow,
I see peregrine falcons from time to time. But finding them and photographing them never happened until this past month. On the last three trips to Lake Pleasant, peregrines were easily spotted and surprisingly cooperative. After seeing this falcon harass ring-billed gulls on the water, we tracked him to the cliff and piloted our boat to get the best light and wait and wait and wait. 60 minutes of alert anticipation to not miss 2 seconds of flight time.
One Falcon is escorted by tugboats into the port of Bayonne for unloading. The Manhattan skyline is in the background. For scale, you can see five crewmembers located at the front of the ship waiting to help with docking.
The beautiful falcon as its nestles in the grasses.
Dear friends - I have been away for a bit without internet but back on now so will try my best to catch up as life is just so manic at the moment.....
Falcon Puzzle
Arte Digital - Digital Art
Image-editing
Texture - Collage
Double Exposure
Pieces
Software: Pixlr; Windows 3 D.
Brasília, Brasil
"TEXTURED PIECES" ~~ Award Tree September 2020 Contest
entry #77 - 28/09/2020 (3ª entrada)
Vivid Art
"ABSTRACT FIGURES" ~~ November 2020 Contest
Entry #94 on 24/11/2020 - (6/6)
Black Falcon, Falco subniger
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Most years we get a pair or two that viist the Treatment Plant over the winter months.
Haven't seen any for several years, as the C19 lockdowns meant we couldn't viist.
Saw a skelter of action on a pond from all the ducks, avocets, stilts and coots and swamphens.
I only got a glimpse, but the sheer speed of its arrival and departure left me in no doubt.
It was a Black Falcon.
It made two circuits over the stunned water birds before disappearing across the farmland.
The speed is incredible.
I posted two shots of the Prairie falcon action at the grain terminal today. She came in and captured a Pigeon within 30 seconds. I could not get the hit shot through the swirl of dozens of panicked Pigeons between me and the Falcon.
I also posted a shot of her flying by with her catch on the way to a low rooftop to eat.
Alberta Grain Terminal. Edmonton, Alberta.
This Falcon captured a Pigeon and took it to the roof of a nearby low building to eat, A flock of Magpies harassed it off the roof and it flew by with what remained if its catch.
You can tell by the full crop and what is left of the prey, that she had already eaten most of it. She took the remains high up to the antenna platform on top of the grain terminal and finished her meal in peace.
Alberta Grain Terminal. Edmonton, Alberta.
[Sequence of Photos - Please check my Photostream]
After being disturbed by some cattle the Falcon picked up the Pigeon meal and shot up into the air. The half eaten carcass exposed the inners of the Rock Pigeon entirely and made for an excellent shot! He flew for another half a mile where he consumed the prey in entirety.
Many thanks in advance for your views/ comments. Much appreciated!
Juvenile Peregrine Falcon
Many thanks to all those who View, Comment and or Fave My Photos... It is greatly appreciated... Roy
All images full frame unless the filename reflects "Crop"
First Prairie Falcon shot of the season.
I was too late to catch the predatory action, but lucky to catch this one as she left her feeding perch from out of sight on the rooftop of a nearby warehouse. The blood on the beak and full crop are evidence of a successful hunt and feeding. There were no Ravens present to rob her.
Alberta Government Terminal. Edmonton. Alberta.
Member of the Flickr Bird Brigade
Activists for birds and wildlife
The peregrine's breeding range includes land regions from the Arctic tundra to the tropics. It can be found nearly everywhere on Earth, except extreme polar regions, very high mountains, and most tropical rainforests; the only major ice-free landmass from which it is entirely absent is New Zealand. This makes it the world's most widespread raptor, and one of the most widely found bird species. In fact, the only land-based bird species found over a larger geographic area is not always naturally occurring, but one widely introduced by humans, the rock pigeon, which in turn now supports many peregrine populations as a prey species. The peregrine is a highly successful example of urban wildlife in much of its range, taking advantage of tall buildings as nest sites and an abundance of prey such as pigeons and ducks. Both the English and scientific names of this species mean "wandering falcon," referring to the migratory habits of many northern populations. Experts recognize 17 to 19 subspecies, which vary in appearance and range; disagreement exists over whether the distinctive Barbary falcon is represented by two subspecies of Falco peregrinus, or is a separate species, F. pelegrinoides. The two species' divergence is relatively recent, during the time of the last ice age, therefore the genetic differential between them (and also the difference in their appearance) is relatively tiny. They are only about 0.6–0.8% genetically differentiated.
While its diet consists almost exclusively of medium-sized birds, the peregrine will occasionally hunt small mammals, small reptiles, or even insects. Reaching sexual maturity at one year, it mates for life and nests in a scrape, normally on cliff edges or, in recent times, on tall human-made structures. The peregrine falcon became an endangered species in many areas because of the widespread use of certain pesticides, especially DDT. Since the ban on DDT from the early 1970s, populations have recovered, supported by large-scale protection of nesting places and releases to the wild.
The peregrine falcon is a well respected falconry bird due to its strong hunting ability, high trainability, versatility, and – in recent years – availability via captive breeding. It is effective on most game bird species, from small to large.