Brown Falcon up close

Had a great experience yesterday while out walking in the mallee.

Patiently waiting in the shade of a large bush, hoping to get a nice shot of some flighty White faced Honeyeaters, the serenity was broken when a lovely Brown Falcon decided to help himself to a meal.

He crashed into the ground no more than five metres away but only injured the bird he was after and spent the next fifteen minutes trying to locate it in the low bushes.

I know he injured his prey because the small bird was screaming and flapping its wings very fast before it escaped. The rest of the birds in the area, instead of escaping, stayed and harassed the Falcon with loud chirping and fast movements, almost as if they were trying to confuse him and in doing so protect the injured bird.

It seemed to work because the Falcon gave up in the end and flew to a nearby small tree where the smaller birds continued to harass him.

At times the Falcon was within three metres of me and I thought for sure the shutter would scare him away but not so, although I was in full camo, and kept my face shielded behind the camera at all times some of the photos seem to indicate he could see me but I don't think he could recognise me as a threat.

Don't think I will ever be that close to a wild Falcon again, the bird was stunningly beautiful close up.

Sorry it's a bit long winded and I have posted a few more photos than is usual but I think they really show the birds intent and intellect.