"Claws" A Peregrine Falcon

[Pericles]

Taken at Long Reef Headland, Sydney
Canon 50D

[gts055]

The beak and talons will be a fearsome sight to prey. Lucky capture. Mark

[Pericles]

Talons retracted in this one

[AdamJL]

I see that bird in the Narrabeen/Long Reef area often... and it's not a Peregrine :)
It's an (Eastern) Osprey.
And I can show you where it's currently nesting (and where it's old nest used to be before being destroyed in a storm) a few years back. Spent a lot of time trying to photograph these birds when I was doing more wildlife photography.

[Pericles]

Thanks for the update
We are so lucky to have access to such a great location for Wildlife.

[AdamJL]

Indeed we are, Richard!
I'm still dying for a shot of a fox, though. They're a pest, but they're beautiful.
If anyone wants to share locations, I'm all ears ;)

by the way, Richard. That same spot (Long Reef) does indeed get Peregrines. Also common in the area (and long the entire coast line) are kestrels. If you walk to the top of the hill behind the golf course, the kestrels will turn up; they nest in the cliffs along the edge.
You might also see a White Bellied Sea Eagle or two.. they nest in the area as well :)

I hope you keep sharing your pictures!

[Pericles]

Thanks for the tips on the location.
I usually walk along Mona Vale Headland where i frequently see what looks like a Little Falcon.
i like photographing ships at sea and during winter i sometimes find an Albatross in the frame although its stretching the capabilities of the lens and cropping. There is something special about the Albatross and sighting one brings a longing for travel across the seas.
i will keep an eye out for the elusive foxes.

[Pericles]

Apologies for yet another photo however yesterday was a perfect day at Long Reef and i was very lucky to have the perfect subject hovering in the clear blue sky.

[AdamJL]

Missed your update, that's nice, Richard!

Those birds fly along the headlands all the time (Nankeen Kestrel?). The cliffs give them the wind needed for lift. I think they nest about halfway up the hill (coming from the north) walking past the golf course. But visit any beach along that stretch of coast and you'll see them. Amazing to watch, especially how their heads are absolutely rock steady whilst hovering.

[MortonH]

Nice. What lens was used?

[Pericles]

Moreton
Canon 70-300 non L Lens about 10 years old.
Cheers
Richard

[Pericles]

This time with Lunch