Tag Archives: Peregrine Falcon

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Eric Zetterholm was ready with his camera when he recently saw a Peregrine Falcon perched atop a tree.

peregrine-falcon-1-by-eric-zetterholm peregrine-falcon-by-eric-zetterholm peregrine-falcon-2-by-eric-zetterholmA Peregrine Falcon can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour on its dash for prey. They eat mostly birds. Here on the Mendonoma Coast, they often prey on Common Murres. They also eat bats! Peregrine means wanderer. We are glad several Peregrines wandered to the coast this year.

In tomorrow's Independent Coast Observer, there will be a dramatic photo taken last week by Ken Bailey of an adult Peregrine apparently chastising an impudent juvenile in the air. Don't miss it!

Thanks to Eric for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

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A successful Peregrine Falcon nest is to be celebrated. We keep the exact location secret to protect these birds. Craig Tooley, along with Rick and myself, was invited onto a private property that has a near eye-level view of the nest. The photos show the mother feeding her two chicks with the father perched on the rock above.

We're hungry - Peregrine Falcon chicks and a parent by Craig Tooley Two Peregrine Falcon chicks being fed by Craig Tooley Peregrine Falcon feeds two chicks by Craig TooleyThis nest is in southern Mendocino County. We hope these chicks thrive and that they will delight us in the years to come with their exceptional speed.

Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is his website: www.ruffimage.com

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Michael Beattie notice a beautiful Peregrine Falcon soaring through the air.

A Peregrine Falcon soars by Michael Beattie

He watched it join its mate at a nest with two, perhaps three, eggs inside.

Mated Peregrine Falcon pair by Michael Beattie

Last year there were two known Peregrine Falcon nests on the Mendonoma Coast. Because of Michael, we know there is at least one nest this year.

Thanks to Michael for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

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I'll let Zak tell the story.

"A Red-shouldered Hawk alighted upon the very same spot on the Redwood where the Peregrine Falcon has been doing his courtship for the last two years. He was only too eager to primp and pose for these shots, trying his luck at the ladies."

Red-Shouldered Hawk by Zak Rudy (Large)

“The Peregrine Falcon returned a few days later, to claim his territory with the lady bird, as they bonded two years ago. The monogamous pair now returns every year around this time to do the dance.”

November Peregrine Falcon by Zak Rudy (Large)

It's always a treat to see a Peregrine Falcon and the beautiful hawk! Thanks to Zak for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

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Paul Brewer spotted this Peregrine Falcon recently.

Peregrine Falcon by Paul Brewer

They hunt medium-sized birds, especially ducks and shorebirds, and their aerial dive is something to see. They have been clocked at 200 miles per hour when diving for their dinner. To hear their calls, here is the link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Peregrine_Falcon/sounds

Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see much more of Paul's nature photography, here is his website: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/