By Mark McConville
THE MOMENT a protective mother falcon attacked a group of pelicans has been captured in a series of stunning pictures.
The incredible images show the angry falcon grab at a pelican’s wings with her talons as it tries to escape from her clutches.
Other action shots show the falcon attacking the pelican’s beak and head in an effort to protect her nearby nest.
The remarkable incident was captured on camera in San Diego, California, USA by amateur photographer Alex Phan (44), from Corona, California.
“As we were waiting for the male falcon to bring back the food to feed his three babies, all of a sudden, we saw the female falcon charging out from the cliff at over 100 miles per hour toward the pack of pelican and go after them,” he said.
“Most of the time, they will make contact with the Pelican. Sometimew they will hold on to the back, ride along the pelican wing, grab on the beak or neck for a few seconds then let go.
“I couldn’t believe what I saw when this happened. I’ve been shooting falcons for the last three years at various locations and never before have I seen a falcon attack a pelican.
“I think the female is just over protective of her little ones. She will attack anything that flies close to the nest, although in this case, the pelican was not even close to it. “There are two pelicans dead because of these attacks so far.”
