Peregrine Falcon picture
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The nests of this bird are never built in close proximity, the Peregrine preferring to have its home at least a mile from the nest of any other of its kinsfolk. Sometimes it makes a nest in lofty trees, taking possession of the deserted home of some other bird; but it loves cliffs better than trees, and seldom builds in the latter when the former is attainable.
In his 'Land of Israel,' 19th century
scholar H.B. Tristram gives several notices of this bird, from which we
may build an interesting picture from a description of a scene at Endor.
'Dreary and desolate looked the plain, though of exuberant fertility. Here
and there might be seen a small flock of sheep or herd of cattle, tended
by three or four mounted villagers, armed with their long firelocks, and
pistols and swords, on the watch against any small party of marauding cattle-lifters.
'Griffon vultures were wheeling in circles
far over the rounded top of Tabor; and here and there an eagle was soaring
beneath them in search of food, but at a most inconvenient distance from
our guns. Hariers were sweeping more rapidly.and closely over the ground,
where lambs appeared to be their only prey; and a noble peregrine falcon,
which in Central Palestine does not give place to the more eastern lanner,
was perched on an isolated rock, calmly surveying the scene, and permitting
us to approach and scrutinize him at our leisure.'
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