BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY

STOPS ALONG THE WAY

SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)

62 Comments

peregrine-1

We were coming to the end of our walk when I spotted this peregrine falcon perched on a log in the water. It’s a lucky spot as over the years a number of animals have stopped by it, from frogs and turtles to mink and birds. But that day the log belonged to this peregrine beauty. He stood there, walked around a bit and cooled off in the lake. I fired off as many shots as I could in the 15 minutes he stayed put. I have seen these birds flying overhead, or up in the tree canopy but never this close up. Have to say it was a bit of a thrill.

peregrine-2

62 thoughts on “SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)

  1. yasminedaisy's avatar

    Beautiful shots! What a great photo op!

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  2. W.H. SIM's avatar

    wow! awesome captures and a great find! not the usual place you’d expect to see a peregrine falcon!

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  3. fossilsandfauna's avatar

    Wow! what an unusual spot to see one! how neat.

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  4. brighamstephen's avatar

    What wonderful shots. Every birders and photographer’s dream to get that close to the falcon.

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  5. Jet Eliot's avatar

    All the hundreds of ponds I have walked around, I have never seen a raptor perched nearby, wet, like this. My guess is he was over-zealous in his hunting and accidentally got wet. But whatever the reason, isn’t it just SO GREAT when you come across this rarity and have your camera too?

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  6. John Mallaney's avatar

    Wow, what perfect timing!

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  7. Eliza Waters's avatar

    What a lucky sighting! What are the chances of that, huh?

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  8. Peter Hillman's avatar

    Wonderful photographs, Belinda!

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  9. caleephotography's avatar

    Wow, these photographs are fantastic! How wonderful to see them so close 🙂

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  10. sconzani's avatar

    Superb shots, Belinda. I am more than a little envious! 🙂

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  11. Trail Walker's avatar

    Terrific captures, Belinda.

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  12. BirdNation's avatar

    I think you found a Merlin because of its size, coloration, and distinct “eyebrow”. Peregrines have more of a blue-gray back. Great photos! He’s a cutie :-). I’m glad you were able to experience this bird so up close.

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  13. Ellen Jennings's avatar

    Beautiful shots and how cool to capture a hawk on the ground! Nice compositions!

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  14. lauramacky's avatar

    That IS very exciting!

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  15. Alix's avatar

    No doubt about your shots, sharp as usual with a nice composition. However, like other bloggers reported, it might be a merlin or if not really a juvenile peregrine falcon, a very close resemblance. Very nice nevertheless.

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  16. Vicki's avatar

    He’s a beauty! great shots. 🙂

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  17. Backyardfriends's avatar

    What great photos! Beautiful bird!

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  18. Annette's avatar

    Great photos, what a beautiful bird.

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  19. kathydoremus's avatar

    Oh my! Those pictures are priceless!

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  20. johnhadden's avatar

    Oooh, lucky you! Great shots! I second the possibility that it may be a merlin. Also, habitat-wise, it’s more likely as merlins tend to be forest canopy dwellers while peregrines prefer more open areas.

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  21. peggy's avatar

    It is rare to catch this bird in your camera lens. This is a thrill. Thanks for sharing these great photos.

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  22. Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography's avatar

    Excellent catch. Good timing and better yet, you got the shot. Very nice.

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  23. Anne's avatar

    What a wonderful encounter!

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  24. wordsfromanneli's avatar

    Belinda, have you compared the markings of this bird to some images of merlin falcons? The peregrine has dark slashes on his cheeks. Otherwise they look very much like the merlins. I suspect these might be merlins, but I’m not sure. If the bird is a juvenile, the colouring might not be complete, but it sure looks like a merlin to me. Still, whatever it is, it’s a thrill to see these birds, and to get such nice shots of them. This guy must like the water. He got quite wet!

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  25. George McNeill's avatar

    Brilliant and unusual shots of this beautiful bird.

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