I remember watching some ducks and gulls with my grandfather when suddenly they flew up and scattered in alarm. Far in the distance there was a speck on the horizon which the frightened gulls and ducks recognized as a Peregrine Falcon.

Despite my daily episodes of bird and plant watching, I seldom see a Peregrine.

Here is one we saw at Humber Bay:

This juvenile was spotted at Col Sam Smith Park:

Today, in a remote corner of Tommy Thompson Park, the birding gods shone on me with a long look at a Peregrine. Here are some photos:

When possible, Peregrines will nest on cliff ledges but in cities they seek out buildings or bridges. Peregrines feed mainly on small or medium-sized birds.

Tommy Thompson Park is a splendid place of wilderness so near to the city.

Some birds:

Other life:

NATURE POETRY

On this scene enter—winged, horned, and spined—
A longlegs, a moth, and a Dumbledore;
While ‘mid my page that idly stands
A sleepy fly, that rubs its hands.                               – Thomas Hardy (1840—1928) 

Miles Hearn