Peregrine Falcon Gallery

Falco peregrinus

eBird describes the Peregrine Falcon like this:  Burly, powerful, sharp-winged raptor that feeds mainly on birds captured in flight. Found across the globe; considerable plumage variation across subspecies. Chases prey down at high speeds with continuous powerful wingbeats. Becoming increasingly common, especially in cities, where they can nest on tall buildings and feed on pigeons. Also frequents mudflats and open areas with shorebirds.  All About Birds adds this descriptive information about the Peregrine Falcon:  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. After significant recovery efforts, Peregrine Falcons have made an incredible rebound and are now regularly seen in many large cities and coastal areas.

I saw and photographed my first Peregrine Falcon on the morning of October 13, 2020, while driving on Pioneer Road near Highway 78 outside of McQueeney.  The bird was perched high on a transmission tower, but I was able to get clear enough shots to identify him.  A magnificent bird!

On January 7, 2024, I watched and photographed a pair of Peregrine Falcons at Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse in Los Angeles, CA.  I had traveled out to California to visit Frank Lloyd Wright structures and go on a couple of photography safaris with Brent Paull.  Brent had informed me that these falcons typically nest in the cliffs at the park.  Here are a few of the photos I took that day.