The ‘Photo of the Week’ was taken last Monday, Feb. 12^th along Youngs Island Rd., Allamuchy.  He was enjoying the Great Meadow’s views and/or maybe looking for a meal!!  He must have read the article about Great Meadows posted in last week’s Inside Warren!!

Peregrine Falcons are the consummate hunters of the avian world—able to spot, chase and kill prey quietly and efficiently.  They also just happen to be the fastest animal on earth!!  HOW FAST??!!  Peregrine falcons have been clocked at reaching speeds of 242 miles per hour while diving for prey, making them the fastest recorded animal ever. To allow them to reach such mind-blowing speeds, these birds boast aerodynamic torsos and specially pointed wings as well as adapted cardiovascular and respiratory systems that allow them to beat their wings up to four times per second without fatiguing. 

A common bird of prey (a group of hunting birds that includes such birds as hawks and eagles), the peregrine is an adaptable falcon that can be found in almost any habitat. Peregrines live from cold tundra to hot deserts, from sea level to high in the mountains. Their adaptability even allows them to thrive in cities!

Peregrines live on all continents except Antarctica.

Interesting facts about the Peregrine Falcon:

Did you know, humans have relied on them for millennia as effective hunting partners!  Ancient artworks illustrating falconry date back at least 3,500 years to ancient Mesopotamia and Mongolia. While historically falconry was an elite and male-dominated activity, we have records of notable women enjoying the hobby, including Queen Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great of Russia and Mary, Queen of Scots.

Great eyesight!!  Scientists estimate that falcon vision is eight times better than humans. This allows the birds to spot small prey from nearly two miles away, and then swoop down precisely to catch it.  These birds have an extra eyelid that moves from side to side and is partially translucent, allowing them to see through it while still enjoying its protection. They also have a ridge over their eyes to shade them from the sun, and special bones in their skull to keep the eyes in place when making sudden moves.

Peregrines have only one partner during their reproductive life.  They only interact while mating otherwise they are solitary hunters.

Peregrine Falcons are believed to hunt several thousand kinds of species for food. If they can spot it and catch it, they’re likely to eat it. 

Falcons nearly went extinct in North America.  Just like the Bald Eagle, Peregrines suffered heavily from the use of the pesticide DDT.  The chemicals accumulated in the falcon’s prey, killing the adult birds and weakening the shells of their eggs.  Since DDT was banned, they have made a come-back and were removed from the Endangered Species List in 1999.

Falcons are durable, they are thought to migrate as much as 15,500 miles a year, traveling between continents to mate or find food!

Unlike other birds, that only use sharp talons on their feet to kill prey, falcons also have a sharp tooth at the end of their beak that they can use to quickly sever necks.

Please visit my Flickr site for more photos – https://www.flickr.com/photos/charliefineran/albums/72157691657764111

Charlie Fineran

Yours in Open Space!