Peregrine Falcon
San Diego, CA, USA
May 15, 2010
This particular exposure was a fortuitous but nonetheless exciting find. Just three months into enjoying my first ever SLR camera, I took a delightful promenade along coastal La Jolla to take in the beautiful scenery. As I was passing a short wooden cross bridge, I was stunned to see this juvenile Peregrine perched on the railing under modest cover and shade. This beautiful raptor seemed content and not stressed by my presence. As I walked across him/her, he was not fazed and remained perched there for the longest time. After I stood for several minutes admiring him, his attention was promptly diverted by shore birds flying overhead. His demeanor and stance became more fierce; suddenly, he bent slightly forward, readied his wings, and launched into flight. Amazing . . .
