At Saguaro National Park - West
At Saguaro National Park - West
San Xavier del Bac
At Saguaro National Park - West
At Mission San Xavier del Bac
From Sentinel Peak (A-Mountain)
Prairie Falcon, Falco mexicanus.
DP029-2013.  Posted January 29; processed January 28.
This was one of four birds of prey (not all raptors) that flew during the 10 am Raptor Free Flight program (one of two such each day).  We saw a peregrine falcon fly in the afternoon show.  They are similar in size and general appearance.  Both are awesome fliers.

I should explain that the 'free' in the title of the program, Raptor Free Flight, refers to the birds flying completely free out over the desert.  Nothing compels them to return to their handlers except their knowledge that by doing so they get food and shelter.  None of the birds was captured from the wild for the purpose of use in the program.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (commonly abbreviated by the obvious acronym, ASDM)
Tucson, Arizona
December 21, 2012 (10:14 am MST)
San Xavier del Bac
San Xavier del Bac
San Xavier del Bac
See photo in original gallery.