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Falco peregrinus


Falco peregrinus
Photo Information
Copyright: Brett West (bwest) (28)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-08-20
Categories: Birds
Exposure: f/4, 1/80 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Final Version, Original Version
Theme(s): Falcons - II chapter [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2006-08-29 9:27
Viewed: 5501
Points: 8
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
**Noise reduced in image and sharpened, with an increase in contrast.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Photo taken through a cage at Zoo America in Hershey, PA. The image was cropped from its original, and bumped up the contrast. This was the first time I've seen one face to face. I would love to see one of these guys in a dive one day!

Some information:

The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), sometimes formerly known in North America as Duck Hawk, is a medium-sized falcon about the size of a large crow: 38-53 cm (15 to 21 inches) long. The English and scientific species names mean "wandering falcon", and refer to the fact that some populations are migratory. It has a wingspan of about 1 metre (40 inches). Males weigh 570-710 grams; the noticeably larger females weigh 910-1190 grams.

The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest creature on the planet in its hunting dive, the stoop, in which it soars to a great height, then free falls at speeds in excess of 420 km/h (260mph) into either wing of its prey, so as not to harm itself on impact. Although not self-propelled speeds, due to the fact that the falcon gathers the momentum and controls its dive, capture (if any) and landing in its own right, technically there is no faster animal.

Peregrine Falcons live mostly along mountain ranges, river valleys, and coastlines and increasingly, in cities. They are widespread throughout the entire world and are found on all continents except Antarctica.

The Peregrine Falcon became endangered because of the overuse of pesticides, during the 1950s and 1960s. Pesticide build-up interfered with reproduction, thinning eggshells and severely restricting the ability of birds to reproduce. The DDT buildup in the falcon's fat tissues would result in less calcium in the eggshells, leading to flimsier, more fragile eggs. In several parts of the world, this species was wiped out by pesticides.

Peregrine eggs and chicks are often targeted by thieves and collectors, so the location of their nest should not be revealed, unless they are protected.

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peregrine_falcon)
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • biero Silver Star Critiquer [C: 19 W: 0 N: 2] (12)
  • [2006-08-29 9:30]

Bravo Brett, superbe photo, j'aime beaucoup la couleur des plumes. Belle nettete.
Salutations.
Pierre

  • Great 
  • taba Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 466 W: 124 N: 312] (1847)
  • [2006-08-29 10:21]

Hi Brett,
I liked too much this photo, it's in a really great POV, I thooght that the peregrine was grey and not blue...
Good DOF, sharpness and luminosity.
well done.
And a very good note.
Taba

  • Great 
  • juanjo Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 167 W: 8 N: 27] (1142)
  • [2006-08-29 12:01]

Hello Brett
nice photo+ colours sharpness and point of view are great+

It is a pity you could not get the photo with the sky as background

regards

jjo

Hi Brett

Welcome to TN.

Well done on a great closeup shot. Love the head turned to look right down the lens. Thanks!

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