Falcon Attacks a Much Larger Pelican in a Series of Spectacular Photos

A photographer captured a plucky peregrine falcon battling a far larger pelican after it flew too close to its nest.

In an amazing set of images, Decker Nomura captured the diminutive falcon clawing at the pelican’s head. The wildlife photographer shot the pictures while on Torrey Pines beach in San Diego.

“As the pelican approached the nesting area of the peregrine falcons, an alert parent falcon prepared to defend its nest, even though the pelican meant no harm to the nest or the babies in it,” Nomura tells the Daily Mail.

“I consider myself lucky to see this happen as it only happens for a short time during the month of May. Falcons patrol the nesting area and will attack when they feel there is a threat to their babies.”

To see more of Nomura’s work, visit his Instagram page.

Nomura was fortunate to get the photos because peregrine falcons only patrol their nests like this for a short period of time and they are one of San Diego County’s scarcest breeding birds, with a population of around 15 pairs.

“Only the pelican’s ego was hurt as the smaller falcon hit them and then escorted them out of the nesting area,” adds Nomura

“I love that the much smaller falcon is fearless against the larger pelican and will defend their young no matter the consequence.”