A walk in early October at Wilstone Reservoir Tring with water levels low and many returning wintering ducks and waders. There had been recent reports of a Peregrine Falcon hunting these birds, so I hoped to see one of my favourite birds and possibly get better photos than I had various locations over the years. Things looked good as when I arrived I saw in the distance all the birds rise in a rush and a bird of prey flying on the edge of the cloud of birds. An out of focus long distance shot showed a Peregrine with a small kill in its talons (so poor I haven't included the photo)
Making my way to the hide, I waited about an hour before the Peregrine made an appearance, first over the open water....
....before turning and making its way directly towards the hide....
....before passing directly in front, making a turn and flying back....
....with me frantically trying to keep my heavy telephoto lens on it.
This shot shows the blood on the leg feathers, presumably of the earlier kill.
It did not make another appearance despite waiting for another three and half hours, but I was already happy just seeing this beautiful and powerful flyer for only a minute or so.
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