Peregrine Falcon,in the wild.

[hotspur]

Every now and again,one gets lucky in natural history photography,and this afternoon,I had a real win-a capture of a peregrine falcon.

Those here that are into natural history studies,will be well aware of hoe difficult it is to get close to a raptor in the wild,let alone the peregrine falcon.

These are said to be legendary-certainly in speed,and rarity.

Late today I was in the observatory,I had the 50D on the Vixen refractor in preparation for another lunar plane landing,When I saw the falcon land in a tree a kilometre away-I saw the area of the tree it landed in.So took a photo with my 450D and L 400.I quickly confirmed it was a peregrine,So left the observatory and quickly headed towards the large gum tree.

I really did not think I would get close befor it flew away.I took a few snaps as I went,I got very close to the tree-he was still there.

So carefully selected settings and took the best shots I could.

Here are two images-some slight PP and size reduction,the third is as it came out of camera.

I hope some other people enjoy these images of this amazing bird.

Chris

PS(I have the raw files so I might get a better PP image in time),these images lack a bit of quality as I have reduced the size abit.

Thanks for looking.

[StephenM]

Nicely captured Chris! I've seen a few Peregrines over the years (most recently at the top of Mt Mitchell at Cunningham's Gap), but have never photographed them.

Cheers,
Stephen

[hotspur]

Thanks Stephen-I too have never photographed them either,until yesterday afternoon.Glad you enjoyed these images-they have created quite a bit of interest around the world on birds forum-I thought there may have been more interest in these on this forum-considering how difficult it is to see uncommon raptors-and to photograph them.

[bloodhound31]

I always thought these fellas were introduced. Someone told me the other day they are native to a lot of countries. Which is correct?

Baz.

[hotspur]

Baz,they are not introduced,the are found world wide,with the exception of Souther United States,Mexico and present in only very South of South Amercica.they are also absent from New Zealand.

(Reference 'Birds of Prey of Australia' by Frank Morris).

They are fairly uncommon-once listed as quite rare,very difficult to get close to photograph,these images are the most satisfying photographs I have taken this year.

Chris

[Derek Klepp]

Great shots Chris its not often you get to see them perched.We have a resident pair in our vicinity but thet are often to high or just moving to fast.My son saw one take a cattle egret in mid air but I only glimpsed the aftermarth.There is a Grey Goshawk which perches but I have not been able to be in the right place at the right time.

[hotspur]

Thanks Derek.

Yes,these falcon are quite amazing,with regard to the use of speed in their hunting technique.

They are,very difficult to photograph in the wild.These images have been picked up in the scientific/ornithologial community and are going to used as
a reference in various papers on raptors in S.E QLD.So I am really very pleased
with these captures.The best photos I have taken all year.

Cheers Chris

[dannat]

Baz -my its understanding of the peregrine is it is a native but Austrlia after settlement had an unviable population & so birds were re-introduced to boost nukmbers

[suma126]

is this the same bird. this was taken using my gso rc telescope f/1600