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"Eat or be Eaten" – Jack London, “Call of the Wild” 1903

I truly enjoyed watching these beautiful raptors hunting over the Pacific Ocean, and got an appreciation for the Courage, Capability, Clarity of Purpose exhibited by Peregrine Falcons.
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The Peregrine Falcon:

Powerful and fast-flying, the Peregrine Falcon hunts medium-sized birds, dropping down on them from high above in a spectacular stoop. They were virtually eradicated from eastern North America by pesticide poisoning in the middle 20th century. After significant recovery efforts, Peregrine Falcons have made an incredible rebound and are now regularly seen in many large cities and coastal areas.

Peregrine Falcons are very strong fliers and often reported to be the fastest bird in the world. Their average cruising flight speed is 24 to 33 mph, increasing to 67 mph when in pursuit of prey. When stooping, or dropping on prey with their wings closed, it's been calculated that Peregrine Falcons can achieve speeds of 238 mph.

When hunting, Peregrines start by watching from a high perch or by flapping slowly or soaring at great height. Stoops begin 300–3,000 feet above their prey and end either by grabbing the prey or by striking it with the feet hard enough to stun or kill it. They then catch the bird and bite through the neck to kill it.

Peregrine Falcons do have other hunting methods, including level pursuit, picking birds out of large flocks, and occasionally even hunting on the ground. Though the Peregrine Falcon is an elite predator, it does have its own predators, including Gyrfalcons, eagles, Great Horned owls, and other Peregrines.


(Sony a1, 200-600/5.6, 1/2000 @ f/8.0, ISO 800, edited to taste)

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Blue Jay

Thanks for your views, comments and Faves of this image, I greatly appreciate them!!

Tags:   Bokeh Bird BlueJay Nature Nature Photography Nikon D850 Nikon 500mm Wildlife

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Bluebirds

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