Peregrine Falcon In Red Rock Country – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Nearly four years ago I was photographing ducks lifting off from a pond in Wayne County, Utah and hoping that they would fly back in and settle on the same pond when a bird perched on an old wooden fence post caught my eye. I was certain that the bird was a falcon but I wasn’t certain of the species until I scoped it with my lens because I had seen both Prairie and Peregrine Falcons in the area on previous trips to the area.
When I looked at the bird through my viewfinder I could immediately see that the bird was an adult Peregrine Falcon. The falcon may have been perched on the post watching the ducks I had been photographing in the hopes of snatching one for breakfast. The peregrine was far enough away that I knew I wouldn’t get any frame filling images of it but I took photos of it anyway because I loved the red rocks in the background.
When the Peregrine Falcon lifted off I was able to get two sharp images of it before I lost my focus on the bird and it flew out of range.
It isn’t everyday that I can take photos of a Peregrine Falcon in Red Rock Country so I’m very glad I spotted this one and was able to get a few images it. Even though the falcon is small in the frame I find this photo to have a nice appeal.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Peregrine Falcon photos plus facts and information about this species.
Rugged and beautiful. The falcon is magnificent. Great shot! Thanks Mia.
Lovely colors! And an old fence to top it off!
How I envy your eagle eyes.
Love this shot – amazing colours and that intense peregrine star.
Beautiful! I really like the composition with the falcon and dilapidated fence off to the side and the red rocks in the background. Definitely gives the shot a “wild west” feeling.