Rocky Outcrop

Greetings Card (FSC Board)
Size: 175mm x 125mm
Card blank inside
Free P + P

Original Painting Medium: Graphite Pencil
Scientific Name: Falco peregrinus
Region: U.K, Europe

A few years ago, Andrew, a friend and peregrine enthusiast, gave me a photograph of his pet bird of prey; an immature male peregrine, also known as a tiercel. The peregrine is an extremely handsome bird, and not having portrayed a falcon before, it was a great experience.

As I did not wish a detailed background to distract from this beautiful bird – the suggestion of a rocky outcrop – the peregrines’ natural habitat, seemed appropriate. My drawing of a peregrine was portrayed with graphite pencil in order to catch the contrasting subtle shades and display this falcon’s exquisite markings.

The peregrine breeds mainly on coastal cliff ledges but will occasionally nest on the ledges of high city buildings. Its prey is medium-sized birds, typically a pigeon or grouse.

When hunting, a peregrine will often circle high in the sky searching for its next meal. If the attack is from above, the peregrine will suddenly fold its wings back and drop into a spectacular stooping dive reaching speeds of up to 180 mph – the impact of the attack will often break the neck or back of the victim.

Photograph Courtesy of Andrew Taylor