Quick identification
Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)
A powerful medium falcon with pointed wings, dark helmet and fast direct flight. Young birds are browner and heavily streaked.
Season and local range: Regular migration and winter raptor.
Habitat and island setting
Open beach, tidal flats, towers and broad coast where shorebirds gather.
Where to look
The undeveloped north end, causeway flats and high structures can hold peregrines from fall through spring. Birds may move as tides, wind, fronts, water levels and activity at the site change.
What the bird is doing
A hunting peregrine can move an entire shorebird flock. Watch the interaction from where you are rather than approaching the roost or chase.
Watching birds
Use binoculars or a camera zoom, stay on public paths and leave feeding, resting and nesting birds enough room to continue normal behavior. If a bird stops feeding, stands alert, calls repeatedly or moves away because of you, increase the distance. Check access information in the South Padre Island birding guide before making a special trip.