PEREGRINE FALCON, PART 2

 

The other day, we were treated to another visit from the female peregrine. This time she stayed for over two and a half hours so plenty of time for me to be able to do this small watercolor head study above and some other drawings shown below.

This time, she was even closer as she had perched half way along the railing so was only about 4 feet away (1.2m) from the window. I was given wonderful views especially since she began a series of slightly squeaky 'wy-chit wy-chit wy-chit ' calls and bending forwards while slightly spreading her wings. I suspect the male was nearby as she often looked upwards but I couldn't see him from where I stood.

The top drawing above was one I managed of her while she was calling (with a few smaller details added later). The lower drawing was done when she had turned to face away from me - usually she faced inwards so it was nice to have a back view and to take note of her flight feathers.

With the bird being so close, I could easily make out all the details of her talons so decided to do a pencil study of them. She hardly moved for the 30 mins or so that it took me so I didn't have to start another one which often happens. She was ringed (one on her right leg, two on her left) but I left them off in my drawing. During the period she was resting outside, I spent so much time staring out of the window that I was sure she was aware of me but really, except for a few looks, didn't take any notice of me at all. Later, I was fortunate to see her leave. She called a few times, looked up then simply spread her wings and dropped off the railing. I quickly went outside hoping to see her in flight but she was already gone.