The last flyby
At the local raptor rehabilitation unit, this first year female peregrine was being prepared for release. Bred from rescued parents who are unable to fly, the young are trained as falconry birds would be, in order to hone their flying skills and eventually hunting skills. Once airborne the training involves extended periods of free time soaring over the cliffs where they get the flight skills needed and learn to deal with other wild birds like gulls and other peregrines. As the weight comes off they become more and more interested in pigeons and other wild birds and eventually make a few kills on their own. At this point they are released completely and the bird is able to fend for itself
In this shot of a series i took on the day, the bird made its last pass over the falconer and left the area heading over the sea towards Africa. Lets hope she comes back next year
D800e
300f4 + 1.7x TC
f6.7
1/2000
ISO 800
Handheld
Full frame cropped vertically, USM on subject
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