Peregrine

Gallery: AvianPosted June 10, 2011190 views13 comments

I had never seen a Peregrine in the wild until yesterday. What amazing birds to watch! This one was attacking Turkey Vultures (not by using the famous "stoop", though). One was hit so hard I could hear the impact from 2-300 yards away. The vulture was driven down slightly, but appeared to be all right.

Nikon D300; Sigma 500/4.5; f6.3@ 1/1600th; ISO 400; HH; approx. 30%FF.

All comments and suggestions most welcome.

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on June 10, 2011 at 6:03 PM

It's been a week for Peregrines on this site. There's a pair that nest on a crane in the local port here, but I've never seen them at work. Sweet image, Tom. I like the open beak and spread tail. Nice job.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Tom Lusk on June 10, 2011 at 6:21 PM

Thanks, Dennis. I just had a chance to check out Charlie's and David's Peregrine shots. I'm hoping to get some action shots in the coming weeks - maybe something to compare to the great lock-talons shot of Charlie's.

It seems there are color variations at work here (or differences due to the age of the birds). The two adults I'm seeing are definitely darker and more "slate-bluey" than the other postings.

Registered on September 17, 2005, 312 Posts, 600 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on June 10, 2011 at 8:19 PM

Yep, they can be addicting. Very nice flight shot and a good look at the underside of this bird. It seems that the Peregrines are doing well here these days. I'm going back for more this weekend.....

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Butch Lama on June 10, 2011 at 9:41 PM

Striking shot...Superb flight angle,marking on the body & under wings are amazing with that spread tail. The open beak is a BIG plus for the impact of the image.

Registered on July 23, 2010, 42 Posts, 316 Comments

Comment posted by Eric Diller on June 10, 2011 at 10:13 PM

Love Peregrines!! Nice capture.

Registered on October 2, 2009, 69 Posts, 434 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on June 10, 2011 at 11:37 PM

Excellent shot, I like the flight position with the wing span, open beak and very interesting to see the color variation, way to go.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on June 11, 2011 at 8:29 AM

Classic fanned tail and cackling too - well done Tom

cheers
Rob

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on June 11, 2011 at 9:15 AM

Excellent flight shot!

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on June 11, 2011 at 8:59 PM

Outstanding, the detail is wonderful.
Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on June 12, 2011 at 3:09 AM

Excellent!!

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by Harshad Barve on June 12, 2011 at 4:16 AM

love the screaming pose

Registered on July 25, 2010, 39 Posts, 210 Comments

Comment posted by David Sparks on June 12, 2011 at 4:56 PM

I'm late responding, but this is an awesome shot! I love the calling pose, positions of the wings, and spread tail.

Registered on May 26, 2007, 290 Posts, 4270 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Wilson on June 14, 2011 at 11:52 AM

Cracking image, great tail spread and an open beak really tops it off

Registered on May 17, 2006, 70 Posts, 1166 Comments