Like human animals provide protections to their young. So how do the peregrine falcons the fastest animal on earth do it? For seven years I worked to capture these rare moments when the peregrine falcons attacked the much larger pelicans with her sheer speed and agility. The falcons had a nest on a cliff with one to four chicks each year. They were on duty during the breading season! They attacked the much larger pelicans when they ventured too close the nest. These brown pelicans are fish eaters. They are not known to prey on falcon chicks, but they are so big and have that mean look with those powerful beaks and huge pouches! The falcons didn't want them near their nest. Many times, the falcons simply dive bombed and drove the pelicans away, but to those whom they chose the falcons launched fierce attacks. And it’s this mom who did the most. Like this one, you can feel the power of her talons! During the attacks the pelicans’ necks could get stuck under the wings and lose balance and hit hard on the ocean or on the beach. Most of the attacked pelicans managed to fly away but some did get killed due to the extreme highspeed. My passion is to bring the best of nature to those who don’t have time to observe in person. I hope to bring people to love nature and wildlife, because only then we’ll truly appreciate the meaning of conservation.
Date Taken: | 04.2024 |
Date Uploaded: | 11.2024 |
Photo Location: | California, United States of America |
Camera: | ILCE-1 |
Copyright: | © Jack Zhi |