Perigrine, Milton

[Napper]

I was out the back door a few moments ago  as le dog needed out for her morning business.
All is quiet, light snow falling I am sipping my coffee. Dog is finished and she is back in the House.
I hear a one note alarm call from a bird a couple doors down and just then a Mourning Dove zips by like it is fleeing for it's life.
I look around expecting to see a Coopers Hawk. No! It is a Peregrine about 60 feet up in a  short glide then rapid powerful wings carried it away.
Very distinctive in appearance.  I have not seen a Peregrine in Milton since 2013.
Napper:)

 

[Axeman]

Nice!


What tips you off it's a PF? I'm not sure I could really recognize one....so many of those...the different larger falcons and the Cooper / shinnies...all look the same to me...sigh...


OK...I often see a hawk that is all white underneath...square long tail....Harrier?

[Napper]

Axeman, good to hear from you!
Imagine an American Kestrel on steriods much larger. Dark backed, Appears white underneath, Distinctive Black Moustache, long wings with rapid deep wing beats. Peregrine's attack prey (birds) in a steep dive from far above. see link
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Peregrine_Falcon/overview
Harriers generally fly low in a coursing pattern over the territory looking for Prey (rodents).Long wings with a Dihedral shape
Adult Males are Gray, light underneath with white patch on rump.Adult Female are brownish,  light underneath with white patch on rump.Harriers have a Owl like "Facial disc" very distinctive.
Hope this Helps, I bought a raptor guide a few years ago dunno where it is right now, it is called "Raptors of Western North America". Could not get the Eastern Version it was not available.

https://www.amazon.com/Raptors-Western-North-America-Wheeler/dp/0691115990