The moment a tiny falcon bravely attacks a pelican which flew too close to its nest has been captured in stunning images.
The photographs were taken by Decker Nomura at Torrey Pines beach in San Diego.
A postman from California saw the pelican get too close to the nesting area and said the peregrine falcon was wary of the other bird.
Mr Nomura, 54, said: ‘As the pelican approached the nesting area of the peregrine falcons, an alert parent falcon prepared to defend its nest, even though the pelican meant no harm to the nest or the babies in it.
‘I consider myself lucky to see this happen as it only happens for a short time during the month of May. Falcons patrol the nesting area and will attack when they feel there is a threat to their babies.’
A postman from California saw the pelican get too close to the nesting area and said the peregrine falcon was wary of the other bird.
Mr Nomura, 54, said: ‘As the pelican approached the nesting area of the peregrine falcons, an alert parent falcon prepared to defend its nest, even though the pelican meant no harm to the nest or the babies in it’
He added: ‘Only the pelican’s ego was hurt as the smaller falcon hit them and then escorted them out of the nesting area.
‘I love that the much smaller falcon is fearless against the larger pelican and will defend their young no matter the consequence.’
Peregrines are one of San Diego County’s scarcest breeding birds, with a population of about 15 pairs, according to United States Department of Agriculture.
Peregrine falcons declined after the 1940s as a result of the widespread use of pesticides such as DDT.
The falcon can be seen swooping in towards the pelican
‘Falcons will protect their young no matter the consequences,’ Mr Nomura said
The photographer said: ‘Only the pelican’s ego was hurt as the smaller falcon hit them and then escorted them out of the nesting area’
Mr Nomura said: ‘I consider myself lucky to see this happen as it only happens for a short time during the month of May. Falcons patrol the nesting area and will attack when they feel there is a threat to their babies’
Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk
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