Peregrine Falcons aren’t noted for their table manners and this one needed just a little cleaning up after dinner.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this falcon in the early evening of 3 March, 2014 near Capitol Reef National Park. It had been feeding on a dead Cinnamon Teal in the middle of a rural road. The duck may or may not have been road kill – there were indicators pointing both ways and I’m just not sure. Either way, when I returned to the area a while later both falcon and duck were gone so I suspect the bird had a fine meal. In this shot duck bits are barely visible on the tip of the bill and there’s blood on the feet.
I seldom have opportunities to photograph Peregrines so I was delighted to spend some time with this handsome (though messy) bird.
Ron
Ron, I have watched eagles kestrels and redtailed hawks clean their talons fastidiously with their beaks. I have not seen the barred owls or great horned owls do that where I feed the raptors. Will watch but they eat at night and I am usually gone by then.
Beautiful flight shot of a beautiful bird Ron!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
Perhaps I was a peregrine falcon in an earlier life. These days I can (usually) keep my feet clean though.
What a privilege for you (and us) to see. Thank you.
“These days I can (usually) keep my feet clean though.”
You’re doing better than I am, Elephant’s Child. On Thanksgiving I dropped a big gob of gravy (don’t ask how) on one of my shoes. Didn’t notice until the next day when it was too late. Try as I might it wouldn’t come off. Bought a new pair yesterday…
Beautiful shot of a beautiful raptor, Ron! I’ve seen lots of Peregrines out on the (northern) Channel Islands, but always in flight and never close enough to notice whether they have messy bills and/or feet. I’m not even sure how they clean their feet! 😉
“I’m not even sure how they clean their feet!”
Chris, Here’s what BNA Online has to say on the subject: “Toes and talons nibbled with bill, particularly after feeding.”
Getting such a clear, crisp image of a Peregine is a miracle in my eyes….great shot!!! (I’ve seen folks eating spaghetti look a lot messier)…
“I’ve seen folks eating spaghetti look a lot messier”
Have you been watching me eat, Patty?
He may be messy, but he is gorgeous. If we ever drive through that area again I’ll have to keep a lookout for Peregrines. I’d love to see one.
Susan, This bird is the only Peregrine I’ve ever seen down that way. Spotting it in the first place was a serendipitous event that may never occur again for me in the area. But you never, never know – you know how it is with birds…
Fabulous. I love the coloring
Thanks, Arwen.
I enjoyed these photos with avid interest and marvel. The “graphic” nature was mild and certainly was no bother to me. You shouldn’t apologize
for what is normal and natural in Nature. Thanks for the beautiful images.
Thank you, Sandi.
I never “apologize for what is normal and natural in nature” and it never bothers me in the least. But I’ve learned (painfully, I might add) that some folks don’t share my tolerance, even admiration, for such things so I always give fair warning.
“Edit” – looking back at the post in question (link in my first comment, below), you’re right. I DID apologize for the graphic nature of those photos. I shouldn’t have…
So much I learn here. If I had seen this bird, I would have thought it was injured.
They typically get a lot of blood on their feet while feeding, Dianne. It tends to be a very messy activity. An example can be seen here but prepare yourself before you go there, if you choose to do so…
https://www.featheredphotography.com/blog/2012/01/04/peregrine-falcon-feeding-behavior-graphic/