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Today we have a lovely series of falcon pictures taken by reader Steve Adams, whose notes are indented. Click on the pictures to enlarge them.
Here is a young Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) that we came across during a visit to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in New York State. The refuge lies between the cities of Rochester and Syracuse and is one our favorite places to visit. At first, the falcon was perched on what seemed a perfectly serviceable horizontal branch. Suddenly, it turned and eyed up the vertical branch next to it and leapt. The ensuing few seconds were both comical and nerve-racking as the poor bird strived fruitlessly to gain a hold. Eventually, it abandoned its attempt and flew off.
This was the first time I’ve been able to capture a falcon perched, so I was very happy. The show was an added bonus!
Taking the opportunity to say thanks for every RWP even though I rarely comment, and – here’s the webcam page for Tower Girl :
https://biodiversity.utexas.edu/resources/falcon-cam
… currently down. But delightful to check now and then!
Wonderful falcon pictures!
Beautiful photos, beautiful bird. But I do wonder how a park in New York State got named Montezuma.
It is an odd name for upstate New York. The history page at the refuge had this to say about how the area acquired its name:
“The name “Montezuma” was first used in 1806 by Dr. Peter Clark. Dr. Clark, a physician from New York City, came to the area because of his interest in the salt deposits which were recently discovered underneath the lakes and marshes. He built a large, by 1808 standards, 12-room house atop a drumlin with a commanding view of the surrounding vast marshes. Dr. Clark, apparently a cosmopolitan traveler for that era, compared his hilltop home with the palace of the Aztec Emperor Montezuma in Mexico City. His home, the marshes, the village, and eventually the refuge all acquired the name.”
Very interesting! Thank you.
That was one determined falcon. I’m glad all ended well if not as desired.
The pictures are a treat.
Very good. It sure seems comically reluctant to just launch itself in the air and fly!
Be like the bird, who, Halting in his flight, On limb too slight, Feels it give way beneath him, Yet sings, Knowing he hath wings.
Victor Hugo