A Royal Fly-By

Royalty seem to be in the news a lot these days, with the Olympics and all.  We had a visit right here in our yard.  Just like many royals, this one jetted in and did not stay long.   This royal also generated many oohs and aahs and excitement from those visited.

As I sat quietly watching the water, not really paying attention, a very agitated and panicked collared dove came zigging and zagging from the south, about two feet above the water.  He  dashed side to side, trying to evade and yet make maximum speed at the same time. He was silent, all effort focused on survival.

 Then, effortlessly, fiercely,  the peregrine falcon appeared.  Just as near to the water, the dark blue-gray jet closed in easily on his prey.  Peregrines have a characteristic wing beat:  powerful, purposeful, full of confidence.  The dark helmet markings on his face flashed in the light, and the big, dark eye was focused only on the dove. 

As if he had just decided to put on the gas, the falcon accelerated his wing beats, moved his feet forward in a 'grab' position, and snagged the hapless dove with one strong foot. At least the end is quick in such powerful talons.  And peregrines don't hunt for sport, they hunt to eat and live.

Peregrines engender the word 'royalty' in the bird world.  Long a choice with falconers, they have in inherent dignity and presence that everyone encountering the bird will quickly notice. Their quiet authority and physical power are beautiful to behold.

The peregrine population was almost wiped out due to  DDT, but since it was banned in the US, they have made a great comeback.  Now they can be found even in the cities, nesting on narrow window ledges near parks.  One more example of wildlife doing their best to live among us.  Their prey is primarily birds, and city pigeons and starlings are prime targets.   Because the looming shadow of a peregrine on the hunt will panic and disperse whole flocks of birds, vineyard managers have begun to use falconers and falcons to keep pesty birds from eating their entire grape crop.  And airports now use them to patrol and keep hazardous flocks of birds off the runways.   What great examples of working with a wild creature to the benefit of both.

But here in the quiet marshes and dusky woods, peregrines perch quietly  at the marsh's edge, watching and waiting.   When prey is spotted, they launch effortlessly into their powerful flight: a royal on the wing.