So for some background, peregrine falcons are far and away my favorite animal. I love birds of prey but for numerous reasons I identify with them and think they're simply the coolest animals out there. I would definitely consider myself an outdoorsy risk taker: I love stuff like ski racing, rock climbing, skydiving, whitewater kayaking and triathlons. But I also consider myself a generally reserved guy. I can be real goofy and childish around close friends and family but in general I tend not to actively show off... I like to let people notice first (ex. I don't really talk game at all, and I'll usually let my actions and performances do any talking for me). I'm also an epic nerd. I'm studying engineering and I love to know how things work so I naturally ask a ton of questions and I love to retain what I learn. Basically, in my opinion, I think of myself as the last person who would consider getting a tattoo. I feel like this is something that really says a lot about me though and my close friends and family agree. Things about them that I identify with are that peregrines are the fastest animals in the world, they nest on cliffs, they soar high above prey before diving down to catch them, they mate for life, they stand for vision, commitment, intense focus, aspiration, determination... I love all that stuff.

I want to get it on my left side on either the lat muscle or the ribs (heard they hurt a lot tho) and I'm thinking maybe 3" wide and 2" tall. It would be the head, the tips of the wings and the top of the chest of the picture I attached in black/grey (no colors). Basically I don't want to show it off to everyone, I only want the people that matter to me to see it: people I enjoy doing things I love with (family, friends I do outdoor activities with, etc.). I really only take my shirt off outside when I'm at the beach or climbing or something so that'd really be the only time people would notice.

What are your thoughts? A bunch of people have been surprised initially that I would consider getting a tattoo since I'm a pretty quiet/reserved guy, but once I explain it to them it makes sense considering my personality.

My thoughts are... do what makes you happy and what you want on your body for the rest of your life for you. You like 'em go for it

(Oh and I totally have a peregrine in a day of the dead falconer's hood on my forearm. :) so I may be a little biased.)

I've tattooed people I'd never EVER think would even have a tattoo let alone the tattoos they had. Long gone are the days of tattoos just being for sailors, soldiers, bikers and hookers.

Do it if it will make you happy and worry about the impressions you make later, it isn't going to be a huge piece and from what you've said not very visible. There isn't even a lot to regret if you do go through with it and then start regretting it.