Posting 2 of 3 in this SERIES
Five images - continued from Posting 1 of 2 at http://www.pbase.com/image/142792423 .

The peace was disturbed by a Peregrine Falcon which suddenly in a super fast, head first, dive targeted one of the foraging Coots. As the Falcon reached its top speed (280 - 360 km/hr)it struck its prey with clenched feet causing its neck to snap. The rest of the Coots and other nearby birds quickly scattered and/or took to the water. (No I didn't see all of this in detail, nor was I able to captured the action as it was just too fast and too sudden.) All images were taken handheld from considerable distance resulting in significant crops.

Top image: Starting dinner whilst the dispersed Coots and others look on from the safety of the water.


Checking the sky for possible enemies above. Note how it tries to hide its prey by spreading its wings over it.


A quick downing of the neck. Note too, the decapitated head.


"Oh boy! Here's trouble. Where there is one, there will be more." At this point the Falcon quickly took its leave, without looking back.


Lunch secured, but not so quick...........

To be continued posting 3 of 3 at http://www.pbase.com/image/142825263 .