Peregrines dive as if in a dream,
snatching birds in mid-flight,
landing to administer the coup de grace.
Mantling prey on the ground for seconds,
they soon return to rule the skies!
Cheers to you from the lightening-fast-Falcons~
Note: Peregrine Falcons are the fastest-moving creatures on earth and have been clocked diving at up to 242 mph!
Beautiful, Cindy! Such majestic creatures.
There are so hard to photograph because they are always flying by at the speed of light!
Beautiful bird.
Seeing them is always a thrill!
242 mph ! My ex was pretty fast too. With my money.
Cracking up……..
http://www.amazing-animations.com/animations/laughter19.gif
Beautiful and majestic bird, Cindy 🙂
Your photos are really amazing.
You are a very kind friend Irene! <3
I mean, what I say Cindy 🙂
I am touched. <3 <3
Beautiful photos! You must be very patient to be ready when the opportunity presents itself. 🙂
Thank you! Photography is like meditation, it encourages being in the moment, so time flies~
Awesome! Amazing pictures, and interesting information about peregrine Falcons that I didn’t know. Thank YOU!
I knew they were the fastest creatures on the planet, but I had no idea they had been clocked diving at 242mph. That is incredible!
Absolutely, astonishing!
<3
These photos are fabulous! 🙂
You might be interested in the latest post from exileonpainstreet.com. Some great photos of falcons in NYC.
Oh, wow, yes, I would be. Heading there now~
Beautiful Photos, congrats. Hugs Joe
Happy weekend to you & thank you!
wuaow!!!! so beautiful and so amazing shots always 🙂
Awww, humbled by your thoughfulness! Happy Friday Andy~
Just the truth ☺️ cheers!
<3
Stunning, Cindy. As always!
You are kind and most appreciated!
I am very impressed that you managed to get A photo, let alone a half dozen excellent ones!
Years ago, when we lived in SC, a peregrine falcon chased a cardinal into one of our sliding doors … knocked itself out and broke the cardinal’s neck – HUGH BANG – I about had a heart attack upon seeing what I thought was a dead peregrine toes up on my deck… I went to get a shovel, but when I returned, both peregrine and cardinal were gone.
After that, small birds frequently hit that window, but the peregrine never made that mistake a 2nd time … obviously did use the information to its advantage, though.
WOW! They are very intelligent and your story affirms this. So they used the glass after that mishap to stun prey. Amazing! I have seen them kill two birds in the air who dropped to the ground. I went to check on the birds who appeared to have broken necks. I did some work around the house and when I went to pick them up, they were gone!! They are incredible stealth fliers!
Exactly! That is why I am so impressed that you managed to get six photos! I tried to get a photo of that bird for years – never even captured a blurry tail feather.
What amazing photos you have there, Cindy. It’s nice to see them so close up.
Leslie
Normally they are streaking by like greased lightening!
That makes it even more amazing.
Leslie
When you see this falcon shaped blur go by, and the song birds scatter like buck shot, you know it’s either a peregrine or a kestrel!
Pretty powerful bird.
Leslie
Yes, small but packs quite a punch!
That first photo is amazing, Cindy. I actually drew back a little from the laptop. Wonderful birds!
A few days ago I heard this wooshing sound, bird cries, saw all the birds flying in a panic out of the oak tree, and there was the peregrine mantling a bird!
An intense look. I’d be flying off in panic too. 🙂
We typically have around 200 or so birds hanging out close to The Holler’s feeders and water station. When Peregrines are in the sky, they all mysteriously vanish and silence reigns!
Beautiful perfection. Your close-ups show how streamlined their feathers are. I can see how friction is reduced so they can attain those speeds – wow!
Their feathers remained ready to fly while mantling and eating. Remarkable creatures!
Reblogged this on O LADO ESCURO DA LUA.
Obrigada por sua bondade e sexta-feira feliz! <3
These falcons are scary looking. 🙂
Beautiful, but lethal!
what a beautiful bird, I doubt he/she can be cuddled, but.. I wanna try..
I know exactly what you mean! <3
A fierce looking beauty! 🙂 Especially in the first two pictures… After some food he/she seems more relaxed, though… or is that only my impression? 😉
Is the last one the same bird?
Grts
Nil
I think you are correct. They mantle their food, which is hovering over it with their wings covering the prey. I definitely noticed a more relaxed demeanor aftet the prey was consumed. He may have felt he no longer had to defend it since it was in his stomach! The last bird is different~
Guess that they do with their wings what we would do with our hands if we did not have knives and forks 😉
Good point and why not? They definitely employ them to assist in the eating process!
🙂
Very nice
Grazie mille~
Nulla, caro amico 🙂
<3
A fearsome raptor….the one in your last photo actually looks sweet! We used to see their scrapes often, on the ledges of high buildings in Boston.
Really! Wow! The only time I have found nests was when we were rafting down the Grand Canyon, They nested in the cliffs of the marble canyon and played the jet stream of our raft as we hurtled through the rapids. They are stunning creatures!
Gorgeous!
Merci beaucoup!
🙂
You are a peregrine whisperer!!! Hugs.
Laughing, I wish! I don’t think Peregrines let anyone whisper to them! They are quite aloof, like most of the raptors~
Reblogged this on Random Ramblings; Myriad Musings and commented:
Falcons are incredible birds – fascinating, phenomenal, and beautiful!
Thank you for sharing these photos, Cindy!
🙂
Thank you much more for appreciating these amazing creatures! <3
The falcon is just so beautiful…very well-captured in your photos!
*HUGS*
<3 <3
These up-close photos are a delight, Cindy. It’s not easy to see the peregrines so close, but oh what a joy they are to watch from any distance.
Yes they are especially amazing to watch flying. We live on a mountain and they plummet from high altitude and snatch birds out of oak trees. Every once in a blue moon, you can see them still, but it is so rare. All the birds, even the hummers are terrified of them.
Wow, those are fast birds! And stunning.
Can you imagine the precision involved in dving at 242mph and snatching a bird from a tree or in the air. They are amazing!
It really is amazing. To do it without injury…
Yes!
Beautifully captured – as usual! The peregrines once were on the verge of extinction here in Sweden, but are coming back due to effective work from nature lovers.
Thank goodness for nature lovers! <3 <3 Our planet would be in even sorrier shape without them and even more wild reatures would be extinct.
Agree! We need all species.
<3
Amazing shots! Stunning captures!
So kind. Thank you~ <3
We have them in downtown Boise. They were reintroduced in town, but Idaho always had them. There is even a live camera on the Simplot Building where you can watch the babies hatch and grow up.
Oh that is so cool. I have never seen where they nest at The Holler. I did see nests on the cliffs of the Grand Canyon when we rafted down it, but those are the only nests I’ve ever seen. I will look for the video from the Simplot Building.
Years and years ago I saw a movie that had Falcons as “stars,” I’ve always respected them for how wild and primal they are…in the wild. Fantastic up close and personal photos…thank you for sharing 🙂
I looked it up, the movie is called “The Vikings,” it starred Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis) and was released in 1958 (well I did say years and years ago) 😀 😀 😀
Falcons are incredible raptors. The Egyptians trained falcons and used them for falconry and adorned their temples with images of them. Like hummingbirds they are incredible fliers and seem to touch humans on a deeply symbolic level. I can see why a movie featuring falcons would leave such a lasting impression on you~
I knew Falcons were fast but had not realized they could fly at speeds over 200 miles an hour…that’s incredible. I learned a lot about letting wild and free creatures be wild and free in their natural environment when I lived in Arizona. When you grow up in rural forests or urban concrete you don’t see wildlife living as it is natural for it to do. In the desert you see everything…nature in the raw. I realized that the day I saw a Roadrunner smash a baby Gambel Quail on a rock…I didn’t intervene…nature can appear to be cruel but the Roadrunner was simply surviving. It was a tremendous lesson to me…to let nature be nature…when human instinct says rush in and save the bird.
Yes, it is a quite a learning curve to move from the city or suburbs to a wild place. I thought I made the wrong decision for about a year. I was afraid of the coyote packs, the rattle snakes. the coydogs and the black widow spided. Now I just take precautions, and photos! Living in a wild space is very good for one’s psyche. The wild animals teach you how to live, so I understand exactly what you are saying.
🙂
Wow Cindy! Perfectly in focus and intense. You captured them so well. 💛
They are beautiful creatures aren’t they!
Absolutely stunning photos.
A beautiful creature.
Thank you. Aren’t they incredible creatures. They seem elusive, mysterious, powerful, precise, and practically perfect!
I think you must have made a deal with the bird gods, to so consistently get so close to the various species. Even with a big lens, those are impressive close-ups.
Awww, I love birds so. Hopefully they sense it. <3
Fantastic creature and equally great pics!!
I wonder what your ospreys would think of him!
That would be interesting to know 🙂
I don’t think raptors are afraid of them except in terms of nest possibly, but all the other birds sure are!
That is an handsome bird! He is a beauty all around. The feathers with blue and white are just like a fighter jet.
He is like a feathered fighter jet! Good simile.
Amazing pictures. Just gorgeous. Beautiful bird and thank you so much for these.
Thank you more for appreciating the peregrines & cheers to you!
Fabulous, fabulous photos – to be able to see these magnificent birds so close up is a real treat.
Seeing the intricacy of their incredible design in detail shows what perfect living flying machines they are. So pleased you enjoyed!
Fantastic! One of my favorites.
I understand why! They are amazing creatures~
Lightening fast camera…..great details!!
Thank you, they are remarkablly designed for what they do!
STUNNING photographs. Unbelievable. thank you.
They are pretty unbelieveable creatures and I am so happy you like them. Thank you!
Saved from near extinction back in the 60’s-70’s. Magnificent birds!
It is an amazing story that tells us how close we came to almost annhilating this species. They went from near extinction to now being the most prevalent raptor species in the world. I can see why they made such an impressive comeback, they are perfectly designed for what they do. Perfectly designed for everything except the DDT that almost brought them to extinction.
Incredible images of some incredible raptors here Cindy! These are so up close that I can see the texture in the feathers! I trust you’ve seen the YouTube video of a Peregrine Falcon that dives down and gives a Red-Tailed Hawk a surprise bump from above as the hawk was flying too close to the falcon’s nest. They preform such incredible feats! 😀
No I haven’t seen that but I will google it now. I haven’t seen the falcons hassle the hawks at The Holler but if they were near a nest it wouldn’t surprise me. I don’t know where the falcons nest here. I would love to know…..
Oh, here it is in case it doesn’t show up on Google: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpz66RYD110 (Contrary to the video title, the hawk doesn’t seem to have been “killed” during this interaction.)
Amazing pics. Amazing bird.
Thank you and they are incredible aren’t they!
Regal and intense! Such beautiful portraits, Cindy. Thank you for sharing your world, there. Have a happy weekend!
Thank you more for appreciating the falcons and happy weekend to you too!
Gorgeous bird ( poem too)
Awww, so kind. Thank you!
The falcons are stunning, and your photography is extraordinary!
Thank you Charles. You are a lovely friend & happy weekend!
Wow, as usual, what spectacular photos Cindy!!! 🙂 <3
They look mean. I wouldn’t mess with them either if I was a bird. 🙂
Interesting. I don’t see them as mean, just very efficient, but you are right, I would clear out when the falcons fly, unless I was an eagle!!! 😉
I think it is the beak, the eyes, and claws that let one know these birds are ones that can take care of themselves, like the eagles, and others like their kind. It is so amazing to see the built in defensiveness these birds and all animals have. With the close up pictures and details seen in them one can appreciate them more I think. They are magnificent creatures.
There is something about them that is so impressive, both in the sky, and in their eyes and morphology. I think it may be this sense of supreme mastery of what they they do. They are flying predators. But it is also the look in their eyes of intelligence. I just am blown away my what you said, the magnificence of raptors.
I agree–they seem focused and determined to me
Indeed~
Great photos Cindy! Amazing birds.
Alison
Muchas gracias mi amiga y abrazos y besos. Tiene un tiempo maravilloso en Mexico!
Muchas gracias Cindy
De nada~
Wow! So beautiful pictures!
I am happy you like them & cheers to you! <3
Stunning images.
Merci beaucoup mon ami Vicki~
These photos r awesome Cindy–perigrines r truly proud and beautiful sky farers…
They are impressive creatures aren’t they!
Indeed they r–but my crows shall always be my animal totem…their effortless wind surfing amazes me😍😍😎😸
Well, the corvids are amazingly intelligent creatures, on all sorts of fascinating levels. Their cognitive abilities are being intensely studied now, everything from their amazing memories, to their sense of self in the universe, to their compassionate behavior, their numerical abilities, on and on. They are highly adaptive, very intelligent creatures and hence a most impressive totem.
Yes, u can see their intelligence in their eyes..crows r very intelligent too so I’d think they’d be great traveling companions 😍👏🏼😉except crows r scavengers and might try to steal their prey😳🙀🙀🙀
I really love birds in general tho..they seem so calm and at peace with their place in the ecosystem
A lover of birds is a friend of mine!
Ditto here sister😍
<3 <3
U always wow me
Humbled & honored. Thank you & cheers too~
Uwc
Magnifique !
Merci beaucoup mon ami!
I say, Cindy – what stern but intelligent bird this is – love the close ups, almost like touching danger zone <3
Yes, the intelligence shines through doesn’t it! I am always struck by the intelligent eyes that are looking back at me in my camera lens when photographing wild creatures. This is especially true of the raptors. And yes, they are lethal creatures, to animals smaller than us. I can imagine though, in the time of dinosaurs, when flying raptors could easily pick us up and fly us off, how incredibly threatening they would feel to us. This is why birds scatter like buck shot, when falcons are in the air.
Wow. Amazing.
They are amazing creatures~
beautiful and strong. But is it really bluish?
It is really blueish and quite beautiful. There are different sub-types of peregrine falcons, 14 if I am not mistaken, and there are coloration differences among the sub-types.
I love his color, eyes look intense! Nice fat wings! I sure would not want that bird chasing after me! Gorgeous photos! I sure love your falcons! Hugz Lisa and Bear
I love you for loving them! Cheers to you and Bear and Happy Saturday~
Cindy the first photo is my favorite but they are all amazing! You are an amazing wildlife photographer and I appreciate your posts so much. Thank you!
People like you are why I love to blog! <3 Thank you~
Ditto on that girl! 🙂
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
This was my second appointment after lunch today and as always Cindy Knoke captures the most amazing images with her camera.. look at this stunning creature… wow.
You are a light and a dear friend Sally. Hugs and all good things flying on falcon wings to you!
What a handsome bird!
He seems to kind of know how impressive he is doesn’t he!
Beautiful!
Yes, they are and thank you!
My pleasure dear!
That’s one handsome fellow. He looks as if he doesn’t miss a trick!
I think you’re right. Raptors look at me as if they know important things that I do not, and I feel confident they do!
Great photos of the lives around us every day, We have many types birds and the interesting Hawks and Bobcats.Animals are so interesting.
Have a great day,
:)M
Thank you so much! We are animals after all, and part of this amazing animal family, the more we recognize our place as part of this family, the better we do, physically, spiritually and psychologically.
Awesome photos, Cindy. A pair of peregrine falcons took up residence in castle ruins to breed near me this summer. It was wonderful to watch – and hear – them.
I have only seen their nests once, on a raft trip down the Grand Canyon in the Marble Canyon. I would love to be able to observe a nest, much less one in a castle! Lucky you!
I couldn’t see the nest as it was hidden inside but often saw them perching on top of the castle. Once saw one of them attack a heron.
What powerful beauty. I would love to see one in the wild. 😀
You need to come by The Holler sometime. Of course it is never consistent or predictable, but right now they are flying very close, window level as we live on a mountain, and they are attacking the song birds. They haven’t done this as much in the past. I suspect the prolonged drought in SoCal has made them more desperate.
I would love to come to the Holler. I feel for the song birds even though I know it is part of the cycle of life. We had the worst drought this summer then in a long while. However, finally the last few days it has been steady rain so this should help. I will hope some precipitation comes your way soon.
I hope so too! Intensely. It is sad to see this happen.
He is so perfectly beautiful! You always bring smiles to radiantly shine on my face! Hugs and blessings Cynthia!
Visa versa 2UX2 my dear friend Wendell! You are joy to know my friend~
Wow! 242 miles? That’s mind-blowing. The photos and the falcon are stunning. Thank you for this informative comments. I am the forever avid bird lover. <3
You and me both amazed at the speed and love the birds! <3
None of those Pere’s are grinning, Cuz…..except maybe the next to last one…, or is he just passing gas like babies do ??? Ha ! 🙂
I’m going with just eaten!
http://cdn8.staztic.com/app/a/3939/3939340/fatty-fat-bird-3-l-124×124.png
How on earth do they reach those kind of speeds?
… Of course they are not on earth!
True. Definitely in a dive, but to reach that velocity, I’m thinking aided by downdrafts…….
wow 242 mph? That’s incredible!!! What amazing shots Cindy.
Possibly caught a downdraft or something. I knew 200, but 242 is incredible!
When you think about the force of air on their eyes….
I know they have nicotating membranes that cover their eyes when they feed like sharks because I have seen them bring them down, but I can’t imagine them using during flight because it would affect vision which they clearly need when diving. I’m going to google this…..Thanks for bringing it up!
Inquiring minds wanna know! Let me know what you find out. I’m glad someone else wonders about these things!
Yep, they have a nicatating membrane or third eyelid they employ in flight and they can see through it enabling them to hit birds while flying at 200+mph! Pretty amazing huh!
That is SO amazing!! Thanks for sharing this. It’s a wonder of life!
http://www.animatedimages.org/data/media/230/animated-bird-image-0461.gif
These are gorgeous, Cindy. The first one takes my breath away ~ eye-to-eye contact, as though she’s attempting to send a telepathic message… ❤
Yes very much so! I get the sense they are frustrated I don’t know what they are sending.
What a beauty!!!
Yes! This is why women like to deck themselves in feathers…..
Intense look. Great set of photos.
Thanks my friend, when are they going to bust you out of the joint???? You are entering your 13th day in the hospital now right? How long do they expect this process to take? I loved your spider btw, I took the same type a few days ago. Did you actually bring your camera and laptop in your laminar flow room? If you did, kudos to you. It is something I will now want to do if I can be as resilient as you!
Hi Cindy. I’ll probably be in here another two weeks, but possibly as much as five or six weeks. I all depends on how long it takes my immune system to rebuild. I could have my cameras, but they are extra stuff, I don’t need to be messing with. I use my iPhone for photos in the Hospital, and I have my laptop, back drives, and a big drive with all my digital photos. The biggest problem is the super slow Internet speed makes it very challenging to do photo blogs, review other people’s blogs and comment consistently.
Yes that is extremely frustrating. Hospitals need to realize that patients there longer term need good connectivity. You know they have it, so there is no reason you shouldn’t. You are a modern patient and they need to learn from you. Blogging about your experience while you are having it is all around win-win, for the people who follow and learn from you, and for you who stays in touch and engaged with your friends and your community. You can give them this feedback in your patient statisfaction surveys. After all, your contentment aids your recovery. I think it is just brilliant that you are doing this. Sounds very smart to use your iphone. Still thinking of you daily my friend and rooting for you. <3
Thanks, Cindy! I’ve talked to them. I think the slowness is on purpose from what I can tell.
That would make me angry. They want to control your output? They are being hyper-defensive? They shouldn’t do this. Just hearing it makes them sound bad…..
There are complaints about all the internet service here. The free WIFI might be better in other areas, but this floor is not good.
In the old days, when cell phones were new, you couldn’t use them in a hospital. Supposedly, they interfered with certain pieces of medical equipment. These days, most restrictions are around ICU and surgical units, but vary from hospital to hospital. More often, it’s one where hospitals have uneven WIFI connectivity and who are given priority.
We need to get Timothy priority. He’s blogging during a bone marrow transplant. This is cutting edge and important information for everyone concerned. Hope all is well today Timothy.
Okay. That makes sense. So, they need to make exceptions for long term patients.
Hi David! A rep in the IT dept told me the slow free wifi is on purpose, and she agreed with all my points. She have me file a formal complaint with the complaints department, and we were on the phone for a long telling the issues and suggesting possible solutions for long-term patients.
(I repeated comment (see above) so WP won’t put it in 3 word sentences!) I knew it! I stand ready to assist you Timothy. They are nervous about you blogging while inpatient and saying something they can’t control, and that my friend is censorship. I love the IT rep. He actually told the truth! Thank him for me. I am serious about this issue bugging me and I stand ready to be your advocate. Let me know if I can do anything. Your blogging while undergoing your transplant is very important, both for you documenting your experience, and for us learning and sharing it with you. Cutting you off from your supportive online community while inpatient long-term is cruel and harmful to your peace of mind and recovery. I am licensed psychotherapist and I know this is true. Hang in there my friend. We are all rooting for you! <3
HI Cindy. I think they are more concerned about keeping people, especially the general public, from access inappropriate material. I don’t think they have time to think about what I might say in a blog.
The thing is they probably hadn’t have a patient as active as you, or as connected via internet receiving the kind of treatment you are undergoing. They probably didn’t have anyone complain about the slow wifi. Good that you were able to have a long discussion on possible solutions.
Thanks, David! They said they get lots of complaints, but I’m the rare one to do work and blog.
You will hopefully creatre new policy!
Since WP collapses comments Timothy as they go on, I am posting this here, again, in hopes it won’t be three word sentences!
I knew it! I stand ready to assist you Timothy. They are nervous about you blogging while inpatient and saying something they can’t control, and that my friend is censorship. I love the IT rep. He actually told the truth! Thank him for me. I am serious about this issue bugging me and I stand ready to be your advocate. Let me know if I can do anything. Your blogging while undergoing your transplant is very important, both for you documenting your experience, and for us learning and sharing it with you. Cutting you off from your supportive online community while inpatient long-term is cruel and harmful to your peace of mind and recovery. I am a licensed psychotherapist and I know this is true. Hang in there my friend. We are all rooting for you!❤
Don’t you love the shrinking space allowed for comments!
You are an incredible photographer! The way you capture your subject, well, I am always in awe. Amazing birds, amazing photos!!
Thank you for being such a thoughtful person and friend Dorinda. I am honored and humbled. Happy Sunday! <3 <3
Your photos send me to places I can only imagine. Thank YOU, for allowing me to journey with you. I’m so happy to call you friend 🙂 <3
I’m ‘soar’ impressed, my friend! ♡ミ◕ฺv◕ฺ彡♡
I am glad because I am always impressed with you! ♡ミ◕ฺv◕ฺ彡♡
Precioso halcón pergrino. Siempre me sorprendes con tus hermosas fotos de la Naturaleza. Buen domingo y un abrazo, amiga <3
Eres un amigo encantador. Gracias por tu amabilidad. Eres una alegría! <3 <3
Great shots. Looking straight at the camera, no fear at all. The law of Talon (Foot) and Beak. 🙂
Yes, it’s hard to describe the look they give you. Certainly no fear, and some contempt possibly, and a small bit of curiousity. They are fascinating creatures~
Fantastic pictures. I know how difficult it is to get pictures of birds. They are never still and when they are I don’t have a camera ready. Amazing animals.
Yes, raptors are especially difficult because, wisely, they don’t trust us much!
Then it’s amazing that we do get them on camera sometimes. I was lucky to see a sparrowhawk just outside a window, sitting picking a little bird. That little hawk didn’t see us, so it was amazing to look at the hawk so closely.
Oh, what a beauty!! Kudos, Cindy, for daring to get close enough so we can see the detail!!
So glad you like the peregrines! Thank you. I am not daring. I know enough to not get too close to their nests (since I can’t find their nests, this is not a problem), to watch their body language, and not get to close to them and their food! The same rules I follow with people…..Laughing!
Fascinating. Upclose, almost personal! 242 mph? Holy moly! 🙂
Mind boggling isn’t it!
🙂
Stunning, Cindy. The details are amazing. What beautiful color–feathers, eyes, beak. Fierce, deadly, and beautiful.
Yes, a true savage beauty, and I find the coloring and beauty amazing too! Thank you Patti!
Amazing photos
Grazie mille!
These are very beautiful photos, Cindy! I am searching Google myself, but I remember coming across a reference a long time ago about the eyeballs flattening during the dive, and the eye being constructed so that vision was still acute even with the flattening. If I find that, I will let you know.
I have seen the nicitating mambranes in hawks and falcons when they eat and thought they use it during dives as well to protect their eyes. Check this out:
http://www.withmephotographyblog.com/14-interesting-facts-about-the-peregrine-falcon
awesome photos as always
thnak you so much for sharing Cindy
Kisses
Thank you more for appreciating the falcons and Happy Monday!
oh welcome Cindy
kisses
<3
OMG, awesome captures!! 😍
Awww, thanks Amy. I was just admiring your lastest captures~
Oh my, isn’t he so precious, you are a genius of photography.
With all honesty, visa versa 2UX2! And thank you 2!
Those are some close-up shots Cindy, very impressive and stunning.
They are pretty amazingly well designed creatures aren’t, the closer you see, the more clear this becomes. I am glad you like them & thank you~
Reblogged this on Sue Vincent – Daily Echo.
Thank you Sue for your kind thoughtfulness and be well my friend~ <3
Cindy, these shots had my mouth hanging wide open. OMG! Incredible beauty and the expressions and the stances you captured are outstanding! Just wow!!! Your talent with a camera blows my mind!!! <3
Ahh, thank you so much! They are fascinating creatures to see up close aren’t they. So incredibly beautiful and well designed. <3
Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie.
Thank you for supporting the magnigicent peregrines & cheers to you too! <3
Mean, moody and magnificent!
Love the alliteration!
all the best things are!
Ardently agree! <3 <3
Unbelievably good images of the falcon!
I was just marveling over your captures so, visa versa 2UX2!
absolutely gorgeous!
Can you imagine we had them at the brink of extinction a few decades ago? We too often are a dumb species~
Way too often. But some of us are gifted with the ability to appreciate and capture the beauty of nature. Those people make up for the dummies…:)
Ahhh, you are an awesome friend, my friend. The falcons, and I, thank you!
http://www.gifs.net/Animation11/Animals/Birds/bird_2.gif
🙂
Gorgeous raptor photos. The AF Academy uses peregrine prairie falcons and gryfalcons in their falconry programs. Here’s an article on their program:
http://www.usafa.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/1530/Article/428277/academy-falcons-and-falconry.aspx
One of the more incidents with their falcons is the one that accompanied the football team to a game at Northwestern in Chicago. It sort of got away from the handlers when it spotted a flock of pigeons to feast on. It took them about 4 weeks to recover the raptor. It was sheltering in an abandoned railcar. It was no worse for wear when she returned home, and still fit and trim.
This makes perfect sense to me. Falcons are the most amazing fliers on the planet, followed by hummingbirds. I can fully understand how the Air Force would see them as a mascot and symbol. When you consider that wild falcons were almost extinct several decades ago and now are the most populous raptor on the planet, you get a sense of how perfectly they are designed. Amazing about the falcon sheltering in the railcar. I am glad no one hurt him. He may have approached people who could have reacted fearfully. They are such gorgeous creatures. Thank you for the heads up. Fascinating and nice.
When that particular falcon was on the lose, she spotted her handlers approaching and found the highest tree to perch in. The academy had told the Chicago Police if they could keep the area sealed off. They did, and four weeks later they got her to respond to her signal to return. I’m sure the falcon probably told the other falcons about the plump pigeons and doves she was dining on.
You mean she went in the highest tree to avoid her handlers?
Yes, because she saw all the pigeons and doves. I think that part of the railyard also had plenty of rabbits. The master handler who worked with her initial training had to be called out of retirement to retrieve her. When he gave the command, she came back to his glove on the quick. Upon her return to the academy, they gave some remedial training. When she flew at a football season opener at the academy, everyone held their breath because that summer they had an explosion in the rabbit population. She came back on command w/o problem.
That is interesting. She was bonded with her first trainer. That process is so interesting. Did you read the book, “H is for Hawk?” You might find it compelling. It is quite good and is on just this subject.
Magnificent, beautiful birds! And amazing photos too 🙂
Thanks ma’ deah and give the wolf-child a hug for me!
Olá Cyndi! Bela imagem. Parabéns!
Um comentário de você é como um raio de sol!
http://www.netanimations.net/Animated-sun-with-sunglasses-rocking-back-and-forth.gif
Imagine, então o que representam suas imagens? Muito mais que um raio de sol, pode ter certeza!
Você é uma pessoa maravilhosa. Te abençoe!
You click such super fantastic photos Cindy. And when you ‘like’ one of mine, I am overwhelmed. Thanks so much.
Awww, what a kind person you are! Your last series on The Andaman Islands were mersmerizing. I was just lusting at them, wondering. “When can I go?”
Your photos are a joy to click on and peruse! <3
Andaman is stunning and you are too kind and generous 🙂 An even bigger fan now 😀
Visa versa 2UX2!
🙂 😀
Reblogged this on penpowersong.
Thank you my friend & cheers to you!
il falco pellegrino è un volatile suberbo, e tu sei magnificamente riuscita a coglierne l’indomita fierezza
grazie mille
Grazie mille! Sono molto felice ti piace il falco. Io li amo troppo!
http://bestanimations.com/Animals/Birds/Eagles/animated-falcon-eagle-gif-2.gif
The falcons are f-a-a-a-a-bulous, Cindy!! 🙂
Awww, thank you. They are so gorgeous they make the photos look good! Lucky birds!
The colours are so clear and vivid. You really capture the wonder of these birds.
I think they must sense I love them and would never harm them!
What a beaut! Love your annotations and didn’t know that about their speed… Wow! I’ve changed my mind about coming back as a cat. Lol… Ssh… Don’t tell my cats that! 😀
I won’t but I agree with you! Besides your cats would love a falcon!!
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/0f/3c/51/0f3c5179c34277a808f447764746edbb.jpg
Lol. They love anything that flies. They’re always trilling at the window, looking up. 😀
I know. They just want to strike a deal, “I won’t kill you if you teach me how to fly….”
Lol. 😀
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Wow! These are fabulous photos of a magnificent bird. Falcons are fascinating to watch.
They are so fast, they streak by like lightening. It’s hard to find them still for a few seconds!
Stunning photos Cindy– Where did you find him??
Thank you Rhonda, both in Canada~
You’ve really see so much there! Happy travels if you’re still out and about…
Thanks Rhonda, we’ve been home for a weeks now, resting up~
And planning your next travels?? xox
Always! <3
Omg such beautiful birds. Love!
I <3 people who <3 birds! <3
I love the way you have captured the intensity of the peregrine’s gaze. Makes me glad I am not the prey.
Everything prey sized flees in concentrated panic when a falcon is in the air. Seagulls do too. They can hit at such high speeds in such perfect targeting, that they can eliminate creatures much larger then themselves. They are formidable~
I’m impressed! Beautiful photos!
Well thank you very much! Most appreciated~
Beautiful birds. I don’t know if I’ve told you lately but your photography is magical. Love it!!
Awww, so kind and so appreciated! You made my evening. Thank you & cheers to you Steph!
😊
Thank you for following my blog, “longitudes!” I love the peregrine falcon photos. A beautiful bird.
Well your blog is super creative, intelligent and interesting, so everyone should be following it.
Awe Very Pretty Bird!! Thanks so much for sharing these pictures!!
Love Always and Shalom, YSIC \o/
Kristi Ann
So pleased you enjoyed the peregrines Kristi & happy weekend~
Fantastische Fotos! Ich bin begeistert.
Vielen danke mein lieber Freund! <3
Dear Cindy, thank you so much for both likes. 🙂
You are very likeable Ranu. Hugs & love to you~ <3
The beautiful assassin !!!
Perfect descriptor!
Those eyes are mesmerizing. Great photos (as always!)