Preparing for Launch

These young wings will soon propel the “fastest animal on earth” beyond new horizons

This fledgling peregrine falcon, with downy baby feathers still showing, puts his growing wings through their paces, while screaming incessantly for mom or dad to come feed him NOW. He recently launched out of the cliff-side aerie where he was born, and has flown a few short flights since, but he’ll need more time and practice before he can keep pace with the amazing aerobatic prowess of his parents, capable of exceeding 200 miles per hour in flight. Until then the adults will dutifully continue to find, feed and fiercely protect their pride and joy, wherever his wings may carry him.

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