F/13.0, 1/640, ISO 400.
Merlin
Did you hear that Mr. Clean is in the hospital?
Yeah, he has ammonia.
Interesting Facts: Though it’s not much bigger than the more common American Kestrel, the Merlin is heavier and often appears considerably larger. As with most raptors, female Merlins are larger than males. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Merlin )
F/13.0, 1/640, ISO 400.
Peregrine Falcon
Why did the cranberries turn red?
Because they saw the turkey dressing!
Interesting Fact: When hunting, Peregrines start by watching from a high perch or by flapping slowly or soaring at great height. Stoops begin 300–3,000 feet above their prey and end either by grabbing the prey or by striking it with the feet hard enough to stun or kill it. They then catch the bird and bite through the neck to kill it. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Peregrine_Falcon/lifehistory )
F/10.0, 1/400, ISO 400.
Peregrine Falcon
What does a teddy bear say when you offer it a sandwich?
“No thanks, I’m stuffed”
Interesting Fact: Peregrine Falcons are very strong fliers and often reported to be the fastest bird in the world. Their average cruising flight speed is 24 to 33 mph, increasing to 67 mph when in pursuit of prey. When stooping, or dropping on prey with their wings closed, it’s been calculated that Peregrine Falcons can achieve speeds of 238 mph. One researcher studied trained Peregrine Falcons while skydiving and described their body position while diving at 150 mph and 200 mph. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Peregrine_Falcon/lifehistory )
F/9.0, 1/320, ISO 400.
Red-tailed Hawk
Which runs faster, hot or cold?
HOT. Everyone can catch cold.
Interesting Fact: Red-tailed Hawks are large, sharp-taloned birds that can be aggressive when defending nests or territories. They frequently chase off other hawks, eagles, and Great Horned Owls. Courting birds fly with legs hanging beneath them, or chase and swoop after each other, sometimes locking talons. Mated pairs typically stay together until one of the pair dies. ( https://throughopenlens.com/tag/red-tailed-hawk/ )
Happy Halloween!
F/ 6.3, 1/125, ISO 1600.
Peregrine Falcon
Why do ghosts like to ride in elevators?
It raises their spirits.
Interesting Fact: Peregrine Falcons are very strong fliers and often reported to be the fastest bird in the world. Their average cruising flight speed is 24 to 33 mph, increasing to 67 mph when in pursuit of prey. When stooping, or dropping on prey with their wings closed, it’s been calculated that Peregrine Falcons can achieve speeds of 238 mph. One researcher studied trained Peregrine Falcons while skydiving and described their body position while diving at 150 mph and 200 mph. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Peregrine_Falcon/lifehistory )
F/11.0, 1/500, ISO 400.
Red-tailed Hawk
What’s the difference between the dinosaur and a dragon?
Dinosaurs are too young to SMOKE!
Interesting Fact: Red-tailed Hawks have been seen hunting as a pair, guarding opposite sides of the same tree to catch tree squirrels. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-tailed_Hawk/overview )
F/6.3, 1/2000, ISO 320.
Red-tailed Hawk
What does a teddy bear say when you offer it a sandwich?
“No thanks, I’m stuffed”
Interesting Fact: Red-tailed Hawks mated pairs typically stay together until one of the pair dies. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-tailed_Hawk/lifehistory )
F/6.3, 1/640, ISO 100.
Red-tailed Hawk
Why did the witches’ team lose the baseball game?
Their bats flew away.
Interesting Fact: Red-tailed Hawks typically put their nests in the crowns of tall trees where they have a commanding view of the landscape. They may also nest on a cliff ledge or on artificial structures such as window ledges and billboard platforms. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-tailed_Hawk/lifehistory )
F/10.0, 1/400, ISO 160.
Red-tailed Hawk
What did one elevator say to the other elevator?
I think I’m coming down with something!
Interesting Fact: Mammals make up the bulk of most Red-tailed Hawk meals. Frequent victims include voles, mice, wood rats, rabbits, snowshoe hares, jackrabbits, and ground squirrels. The hawks also eat birds, including pheasants, bobwhite, starlings, and blackbirds; as well as snakes and carrion. Individual prey items can weigh anywhere from less than an ounce to more than 5 pounds. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-tailed_Hawk/lifehistory )
F/6.3, 1/50, ISO 400.
Great Horned Owlets
What do you call an owl get together?
A HOO-tenanny
Interesting Fact: When clenched, a Great Horned Owl’s strong talons require a force of 28 pounds to open. The owls use this deadly grip to sever the spine of large prey. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Horned_Owl/lifehistory )
Through Open Lens 