Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Grab The Beak! (2)

This was a mother falcon protecting her young against a much larger pelican who came too close to the nest. The moves were so violently fast as this pelican did everything to run for his life. But the falcon, the fastest wildlife on earth, managed to make a grab on the pelican! Look how she grabbed the beak of the pelican! During breeding season, this female falcon can get very protective of her young. Anything comes close to her nest may get a fierce attack and some get killed.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Los Angles, California, United States of America
Camera: ILCE-1
Copyright: © Jack Zhi