As I was working out on the running path along the Bronx River Parkway in Crestwood this afternoon, a falcon swooped 30 feet in front of me, 15 feet off the ground, landing in a wooded area about 5 yards to me left. It(I couldn't peak under the fur to see if it was male or female) was about 24 inches tall, had a wingspan of about 5 feet, a beautiful brown patterned coat with a cream colored belly and some sort of critter in its talons. I left it to its dinner.

   I reached my turnaround point a half-mile later, and when I came back, the falcon was still in the same place. As I stopped to admire it, the falcon stood up, arched its head back majestically and watched my every move. We had a stand-off for about 2 minutes, I intent on discovering its habits, it suspicious of my motives. I finally decided to let it go about its routine.

   What a wonderful addition this experience was to what had been up-until-then a dreary, sluggish run on a dreary, drizzly day.