Peregrine Falcon in flight at Lake Apopka

I have been fascinated with Peregrine Falcons since I first saw my first one last year at the Orlando Wetlands. Both times I saw one there, the bird of prey was very far away. But at the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, I’ve been able to get much closer to a Peregrine Falcon – and during our latest encounter, I even got to see it fly.

This is one fast bird. According to AllAboutBirds.org, Peregrine Falcons average about 25-34 mph when flying but reach speeds up to 69 mph when in pursuit of prey. They can also reach an astounding 200 mph when hunting from incredibly high places when they drop down to get prey.

The one I saw the Sunday before Christmas at Lake Apopka was poised on a power line between two ponds — its usual hangout. While taking some photos, the falcon decided to swoop down in search of a meal from the ducks and coots in one of the ponds. I had trouble keeping up with the fast falcon in flight.

There was a big splash in the pond while it was flying — a gator perhaps? — that made it abort its attempt at catching breakfast. It returned back to its powerline perch. It was an impressive display of this bird’s speed.

While the Peregrine Falcon was the highlight, there were also other birds to be seen during this trip.