Rosco Waraker, Portrait of a Wild Peregrine Falcon (Animal & Nature 2021)

COVID provided the opportunity to sit each day for 3 months observing a breeding pair of wild Australian Peregrine Falcons nesting in the cliffs of Sydney’s rugged coastline. The harshest conditions exposed to extremes of the elements. The fastest recorded animal on the planet (389 km/h) is timid and extremely difficult to get within close proximity . After approximately two months, out of the blue, one of the Falcons flew over and perched close to me, sitting for a few minutes in perfect light. As though sitting for a portrait, a rare moment of connection. A reward for the time spent patiently observing.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.