This morning was cold and very windy out on Antelope Island and most of the birds seemed to have taken refuge from the freezing gale so as we left the island I figured it would be one of those relatively rare days when I had been photographically “skunked”. But as is so often the case, the island had a pleasant last-minute surprise in store for me.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc
This Prairie Falcon had apparently killed a duck (which I believe to be a Northern Shoveler) and was trying to defend it from two marauding ravens so the falcon decided to haul the shoveler off to a more private and secluded dining area. That turned out to be an unfortunate decision as very soon after this photo was taken a Bald Eagle flew in and forced the falcon to drop the duck. The eagle flew down to the ice, retrieved the duck and nonchalantly flew off with it.
The wing and back of the duck are covered with snow/ice crystals. The out of focus lighter “blobs” in the lower background are whitecaps on the Great Salt Lake.
This falcon is the same bird I photographed a little over a month ago and posted here. I know that to be the case because the same wing covert is askew in both birds (though it can’t be seen in this image). I’ve now been able to photograph this falcon on four different occasions in the last few weeks. What a treat!
Ron
Thanks very much, Mark. And everyone else who has commented on this image.
Hi Ron,
Although it is hard to tell, this is an immature Prairie. It would have been amazing to have seen her take this duck. Beautiful shot!
Absolutely amazing!
Simply a killer image Ron-just outstanding.
Awesome!
What a wonderful surprise the island had for you: ravens disturbing the Prairie Falcon, a Bald eagle stealing the falcon’s shoveler, and an opportunity to capture this marvelous image.
Shots of the raptors are always amazing. Mega thanks.
Wow!
OMG! Are you kidding me? I’m at the Apple Store buying a Christmas present and killing some time by drooling over the 27″ displays. There aren’t any pictures on the hard drive, so I pulled up your site to see a beautiful, crisp image… and this awesome flight shot appears. Unbelievable. Left the photo full screen on the monitor when I left- it was drawing oohs and aahs.