This was a bit of a new one for me yesterday, and trying to figure out what kind of bird this was. I assume it to be a peregrine falcon, but no clue about birds of prey and if they inhabit these parts.

Wish i had video of this, purely for the comedic value. Maybe you had to be there, as the story really isnt all that funny as written, but got a chuckle out of it thinking back on it.

Was on my tractor in Lancaster county, spraying a field in preparation for planting millet in a couple of weeks. I know, i know - Millet sucks, but i plant it anyway.

I noticed a couple of birds gliding around above me, but didnt think anything of it. Out of no where, i see this bird hauling ass and it dive bombs me - flies about 10 feet over top of me while i am poking along on the tractor. Scared the shit out of me. It came back a couple of times and i headed for the woods road, to get away from the thing. I gave it a minute and they appeared to leave, so went back about my spraying in the field. I could see the two birds and they were a good ways away, but damn if they didnt come right back and start going after me again.

I thought they are just trying to startle me to get me to leave, but i wasnt 100% sure. The only thing i had on the tractor was a hammer in the tool box, so my sorry ass is riding around with a hammer in my hand trying to get my spraying done while watching these birds swoop down on me. I figured i'd take a swing at them with the hammer if it came to that.

Finally bailed, and went to another smaller field that i needed to spray. They appeared to be gone - went back to the prior field 30 minutes or so later and we went for round three.

With the exception of me being the target, it was pretty cool to see these birds in action. They would climb to 150-200 feet or so i am guessing and then beat their wings a few times towards the ground and then lock up headed straight down. Since read that they are the fastest animal on earth and i believe it.... if that is in fact what they were. Also saw videos of them taking down ducks and even one tangling with a bald eagle.

Anyone ever had this sort of encounter? the Interweb says that they inhabit "north America", but cant really find any specifics about them being in and around here.