It's that time of year again when the Peregrine Falcon fledglings are out flying and the photographers are out at daybreak looking for
that awesome shot. It was drizzly with June Gloom blanketing the coast of
Torrey Pine State Beach when I arrived to see a few of the photographers
leaving. I asked if there were any sightings of the Peregrine fledglings and
they said that they weren't flying very much this morning so they were leaving
for the day. Hoping for the sun to melt away the coastal eddy and the fledglings
to get more active, I walked towards the bluffs on Guy Fleming Trail eager to
see the Peregrine fledglings in flight.
As soon as I arrived at the view point on the north side of
the trail, I spotted a fledgling vocalizing at the edge of the bluff. He had
spotted something coming into his territory and was calling out his
disapproval.
A beautiful young Osprey enters the Peregrine's territory over
the water and he is immediately greeted by the very vocal and upset fledglings.
Here are some photos of the encounter and other shots of the three Peregrine
Falcon fledglings I took today at Torrey Pines State Beach.
Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
measures 23 inches long with a wingspan of 63 inches. The white "fish-scale"
appearance of his plumage indicates he is very young himself. When fully mature,
the back and the top of the wings will be solid dark brown. Maybe he is one of
the Osprey fledglings from Del Mar.
There were two Peregrine fledglings harassing the Osprey but I could
only get one in the frame.
Beautiful flying.
Lots of vocalizing by the Peregrine.
The young Osprey flies beautifully showing that he too knows
defensive maneuvers.
The Osprey soon leaves the area for a more peaceful flight.
You will see lots of Brown Pelicans flying past.
But the three fledglings rule the sky here at Torrey Pines
State Beach. One of them flies by.
Peregrine Falcon, Falco
peregrinus measures 16 inches long with a wingspan of 41 inches.
Intense.
Spots his target.
Puts on the gas.
Mock fighting erupts. They are learning flight skills.
What a beauty!
Checking out his surroundings.
Amazing.
Taking action shots of these beauties is very
addictive!
He flies closer and closer.
Turns and heads out towards the bluffs.
There are three youngsters flying every which way. Only can
focus on one!
Shot of his leading edge.
Giving me a closer look.
Closer...
Oops, a hard turn as another sibling comes screeching his
way.
The aggressive fledgling comes flying past in a blur of speed with talons out.
All this mock fighting will hone their flight skills for better survival.
Wow!
So graceful! I was there long enough for the sun to burn off the coastal eddy.
Flies easily by enjoying the sunshine and the up-draft.
Checking his talons.
Almost at a standstill.
In the blink of an eye, there is another fledgling engaging in the mock
attack.
Keeping them in the frame and in focus is a challenge!
Lots of vocalization goes along with the mock fights.
As soon as it starts, they split and all is quiet
again.
Lots of looking and investigating new sights.
When you get buzzed by one of these youngsters, it is
so very exciting, it will take your breath away!
Another fly-over.
Looking straight up at the fledgling!
I see you too!
Mom flying by to make sure the fledglings are
safe.
Down below in the water, the dolphins also are keeping the
youngster safe.
Few more shots of a beautiful fledgling in a nice flyby.
Lots of vocalization too.
Close and personal.
Stalls right above.
Calling out a sibling for a challenge.
And off he goes!
A fantastic morning with the Peregrine Falcon fledglings.
Time to head for home.
Have a wonderful week everyone!
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