From a distance, I initially thought this was an Osprey – they’re always sitting on top of power poles like this. But, what a special moment when I realized it was actually a magnificent Peregrine Falcon! I’ve seen Peregrine Falcons only a couple of other times and never this close up . . . I didn’t even care about the power lines in the way!
They are magnificent and special birds, who have rebounded amazingly well after their numbers had plummeted from the damaging effects of DDT. “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” All About Birds offers a great deal more fascinating information about these birds of prey.
Much has been written about the Peregrine Falcon‘s speed, agility and hunting prowess! Check out this cool video clip for more from David Attenborough about these expert predators!!
Birder's Journey 
Nice! Always fun to see & photograph raptors!
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It certainly is, Reed. And I felt very privileged that this Falcon graced me with his presence!
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Yes, it is! And you got a good close-up. These birds pop up in the most unusual places. We saw a pair of them flying alongside our ship off the coast of Nova Scotia where I think they were chasing the flying fish (amazing!) churned up in our wake. They landed on the tallest aerials on the ship’s bow inbetween flights and kept this up all day before disappearing at sunset!
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What a fascinating behavior to observe, Sue! I never would have thought these falcons hunted fish, but I’ve just learned otherwise!
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Totally cooool!👍
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Yes it was! So sorry you missed seeing it!
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I spent several springs as part of a group protecting a Peregrine nest site in the UK in the 1990s. I got to the point where I could separate the male and female by call
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Wow, what an incredible and important experience that must’ve been, David – a real privilege to be part of such an effort!
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The group was featured on national and local TV and media a few times.
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How wonderful that it was featured in the media so there would be greater public awareness of the peregrines’ plight.
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They are indeed supreme raptors. Always a thrill to see as well. I’ve never had a chance to photograph one, only seen a few, and would care a whit if there was a powerline or McDonalds sign. 🙂 Nice closeup.
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Thanks so much for your enthusiasm, Steve. Much appreciated!
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Nice shot! As Steve said, I’ve never had the chance to photograph one, so good on you!
And nice that we have the opportunity, given how close they came to extinction…
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Exactly, Amy! It was a very special opportunity!
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Oh, WOW, Carol! What a magnificent siting and image. You’ll be looking for him everywhere now 😁
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Yes, so true, Ellen! I can only hope!
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How exciting!! This one is gorgeous. I hope you see it again!
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Thank you Deborah – I hope I’ll be fortunate enough to see another one so close someday.
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Very nice indeed!
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Thank you so much!
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A wonderful sight! I’m glad that this truly magnificent bird managed to survive. Here there are sadly cases of birds of prey being poisoned (illegally), presumably by farmers or landowners.
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Thank you, Ann! Agreed – so tragic.
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Great photo of a PF flyer! Congrats on getting the close up view.
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Thank you! It was a real surprise treat to be so close.
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Lovely capture BJ, it is a thrill to capture this bird so well., they are remarkable hunters as the video shows, thanks for sharing it my friend. 🙂
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And thank you for visiting and sharing your thoughts, AB!
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Indeed a thrill, and what a shot! 🤗😊🤗
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Thanks, Donna! Hope you are having a fabulous week!☀️
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