Peregrin falcons (Falco peregrinus) have nested on the sheer cliffs overlooking the ocean at Torrey Pines State Reserve for years. This past spring I made a few visits to try to photograph them. Peregrins are considered the fastest animal on Earth, mostly for the 200 mph speeds they attain while in a hunting dive (stoop) from far above its quarry. However, they average about 30 mph and can reach about 70 mph when flying in pursuit of prey. This year the mated pair that I visited reared three chicks into fledglings, and it was a challenge to capture any of them in the air. I’ll return next spring in the hopes they raise another brood and I can try to improve the flight shots I made this year. Cheers, and thanks for looking!
Peregrine Falcon fledglings in flight over Pacific Ocean, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Image ID: 39300
Species: Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus
Location: Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Peregrine Falcon in flight, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Image ID: 39302
Species: Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus
Location: Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Peregrine Falcon on perch over Pacific Ocean, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Image ID: 39303
Species: Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus
Location: Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Peregrine Falcon in flight along Torrey Pines sandstone cliffs, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Image ID: 39304
Species: Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus
Location: Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Peregrine Falcon fledglings on perch, female on left, male on right, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Image ID: 39305
Species: Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus
Location: Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Peregrine Falcon in flight seen through tall grasses, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Image ID: 39306
Species: Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus
Location: Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Peregrine Falcon attacking brown pelican, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Image ID: 39307
Species: Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus
Location: Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Peregrine Falcon mated pair perform midair food exchange. The male forages for prey and returns to the nest, exchanging the prey in mid air with the female who in turn will feed the young at the nest, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Image ID: 39315
Species: Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus
Location: Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
Peregrine Falcon attacking brown pelican, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Image ID: 39320
Species: Peregrine Falcon, Falco peregrinus
Location: Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California
