I am aboard the the Queen Mary headed for Bar Harbor and saw a sight I never expected to see. The ship has been mobbed by numerous Peregrine Falcons for the entire day while we were 50 miles from the nearest land. There was as many as 20 flying and perching on balcony railings. They were dining on the sparrows and warblers using the ship as a stopover during migration. Managed to take some unbelievable shots both flight and perched which I will post once I return. They got as close as 15 feet away. What was amazing was the speed they developed pulling in their wings to reduce drag. As night drew near they were all roosting on the port side of the ship! Hope to wake up to them this morning.
One thing I did observe is that they can eat and fly at the same time. I don't have my card reader so I can't send pictures till Tuesday. I guess to a falcon the ship looks like a floating cliff side. It became such a spectacle the captain even made mention during the noon time announcement.
Mike
Posted by Angela McCain on October 9, 2010 at 8:54 AM
I can't wait to see this. Sounds crazy cool.
No card reader
Posted by Mia McPherson on October 9, 2010 at 9:06 AM
How awesome Michael, looking forward to seeing your images
Posted by Dennis Plank on October 9, 2010 at 12:23 PM
Wow! I can't wait to see the images, Michael.
Posted by Keith Bauer on October 9, 2010 at 6:52 PM
That sounds like an incredible experience. Can't wait to see some of your images.
About twelve years ago we took a cruise from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico. A peregrine accompanied us the whole way, flying back and forth on the windward side of the ship. There was only one, and I never saw it catch any prey. I also never saw it alight. I think it was using the updraft of the wind hitting the side of the ship as an assist in crossing the Gulf of Mexico.
Discussion
6 repliesOne thing I did observe is that they can eat and fly at the same time. I don't have my card reader so I can't send pictures till Tuesday. I guess to a falcon the ship looks like a floating cliff side. It became such a spectacle the captain even made mention during the noon time announcement.
Mike
No card reader
About twelve years ago we took a cruise from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico. A peregrine accompanied us the whole way, flying back and forth on the windward side of the ship. There was only one, and I never saw it catch any prey. I also never saw it alight. I think it was using the updraft of the wind hitting the side of the ship as an assist in crossing the Gulf of Mexico.