Peregrine Falcon

Perched Peregrine Falcon | Photo by Gary Seloff

To see the fastest animal that has ever lived leaves a lasting impression. There was a sighting last week over the open waters of lower Armand Bayou.

Peregrine’s seek out wide-open spaces to view their prey from a distance and build intense speed to capture it. The falcon specializes in eating birds and is capable of diving at speeds approaching 200 miles per hour in pursuit. They are often described as a bird with a bad attitude.

One of my most memorable pontoon boat Sunset Tours was with a boatload of Girl Scouts. The falcon gave a spectacular show of force chasing vultures and cormorants. One frantic cormorant flew full speed, crashing headfirst into the bayou to escape the bully in pursuit. I assured the girls that I typically don’t scream like that on most trips.

Peregrine falcons were listed as an Endangered Species the year ABNC opened. Their populations have now recovered, thanks in large part to the protection of the federal regulations of the Endangered Species Act. It’s good to see that they’ve returned home. ~ written by Mark Kramer