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Okavanga — Peregrine Mantling
Published: 2010-11-07 10:25:23 +0000 UTC; Views: 427; Favourites: 21; Downloads: 4
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Description
A peregrine falcon mantling after killing a pigeon. Mantling is the term used when the bird spreads its wings over the prey to protect it and to ward off any other birds.Related content
Comments: 12
One of my first ever proper birdie shots, Steven, high up on the moors in the North of Scotland, made with a rather soft lens - before I could afford better.
Many Thanks
David
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Wow yes, I see what you mean David! The people in the eyes are very obvious! Another nice capture! (although my first impression left me thinking it 'prettier' - I thought the red on the beak was mashed berries 
So there is a name for that action, "mantling". I had a parakeet in my teens that would jump on my hand and bite and do that action with his wings. We'd all laugh saying "he looks like a little vampire". I never knew birds did this. (especially not parakeets....but clearly, they must)....Every day. I learn something from you. 
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Mashed berries! Blood of the pigeon more like, Linda. One of my pals who is a huntin', shootin', fishin' guy thought this a quite remarkable shot, and has had a couple of print copies for his friends. Mantling (same etymology as mantlepiece) is the action of spreading wings over the prey to protect, conceal, warn. Falcons and other raptors are adepts. From your tale of the parakeet, other birds must do it as well.
Cheers
David
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I agree with your friend, this shot is wonderful. (although I still like to think of it being berries on his beak. 
Yes, they must....still it's strange to me that a parakeet would do this; it makes sense for a bird of prey, guarding their 'meal'. Parakeets are not carnivorous though, from what I understand, so...
Or I could have had me an oddball I suppose.
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Yes - difficult to now how widespread this behaviour is, Linda.
David
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I think he exaggerated in the ketchup, furthermore the pigeon needs some mayonnaise on it, and some salt, it lacks salt.
Nice shot.
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Thank you, Eva - I thought it quite good myself, but in comparison to some of the other photographers here it could be better.
Cheers
David
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Nn....it's a very gorgeous shot of a beautiful bird.....but I can't help but say "ew" at the beak.........poor piggy....but beautiful shot.
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So Rumpelstiltskin - I see you like cats as well as falcons. Thank you for your kind comment. This image is of a real kill by the bird and you can see blood on its beak. If you look closely you can see reflections of people in the eye on the left side.
Cheers
David
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