Peregrine Falcon Lunching at Beachside
By Mike Mallen
I've been trying to get a shot of one of the Goleta beach area peregrines for years. Usually, they are nowhere to be seen or sitting in the Eucalyptus trees far beyond my camera's 600mm reach or flying fast at a distance.
It isn't easy photographing the fastest animal on earth in flight. This was taken 2/23/2021
We were starting a walk on Goleta pier and looking to the beach on the right (westward) I saw this bird munching a pigeon about 30-40 feet away - right below the restaurant and at the entrance to the pier! I had a pocket camera and hurriedly took a few shots. I didn't need to hurry - nothing was going to divert this bird from its lunch. It looked right at me and continued its feast.
6 Comments
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Mar 02, 2021 09:51 AMGreat shot, thank you for sharing.
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Mar 02, 2021 06:14 AMSaw a peregrine at Glen Annie GC about 4 weeks ago, it was dining on a coot and was not to be bothered by me playing my ball 10 feet away
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Mar 01, 2021 12:58 PMAgree with MINIBEAST. Good on you.
Couple of years back, heard here on the Eastside (couple of blocks from SB JrHS) a familiar bird call. I know Red tail, I know Red shouldered and this one sounded familiar, and thought it was a Paragrine, sure enough, I saw peregrine falcon flying (my 400 mm lens, barely made it) but cropped in, confirmed Peregrine. Have not noticed it since.
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Mar 01, 2021 12:58 PMPeregrine, my bad
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Mar 01, 2021 11:24 AMIsn't that always the way, that your superior quality camera is elsewhere when you spot your Grand Prize subject? Terrific photo. Dead jealous.
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Mar 01, 2021 11:08 AMGreat pic thanks for sharing!