New York Falcon Spotted in the Most Patriotic Roost Ever

The National Parks Service may have just captured the greatest photograph of the year... with only days to spare.

Peregrine falcons are one of the most impressive animals to call New York state home. Not only are they the fastest animal in the world, but their aerial style of hunting (often preying on other birds flying below them) means that they often pick the highest vantage point they can find to survey the landscape.

Peregrine Falcons in New York State

In the Hudson Valley, the altitude-loving birds choose to nest on our local bridges. The Mid-Hudson bridge, which connects Highland, NY and Poughkeepsie, NY, is such a popular destination for peregrine falcons that the bridge authority has even set up a special camera to keep an eye on their nests and hatching chicks (above). The new photos, however, show a New York falcon in an even more impressive location.

Epic Photographs of Peregrine Falcon on the Statue of Liberty

"Just when we thought views from the crown couldn't get any better, a Peregrine Falcon shows up!", began a recent Facebook post from the Statue of Liberty National Monument (SLNM). Just like nesting on Hudson Valley bridges, there's a good reason the falcon is perched on Lady Liberty. From the SLNM:

Peregrine Falcons are expert hunters, and their dive speeds can reach over 200 miles per hour. They frequently perch on the rays of the Statue of Liberty's crown, which provide an excellent starting point for these dives.

"This is iconic!" gushed one commenter. "Fabulous image and composition", said another. The photographs were another great reminder of how wild our state still is, even just a short flight away from one of the busiest cities in the world.

Read More: Cute Photos of Peregrine Falcon Babies on the Mid-Hudson Bridge

Peregrine falcons are just one of many interesting New York animals, and while it takes special access to nab the epic shots of the birds high above the ground, there's plenty of biodiversity right at our feet here in the Hudson Valley. Check out photos of an adorable Orange County, NY beaver family below.