Saker Falcons live in Austria, Eastern Europe and Asia, including Russia.
They are considered an endangered bird due to rapid population declines in their Asian breeding grounds.
They are a large falcon species,
that prey mostly on rodents and other birds.
Sakers often hunt horizontally like Kestrels, not vertically like Peregrines.
I watched a Saker swoop down on an unsuspecting pigeon, but my presence, in response to the pigeon cries, called off the hunt!
Cheers to you from the remarkable and endangered Saker Falcons~
(Note: These photos were taken in raptor reserves in Europe)
Amazing pictures Cindy! 💕
Thanks much & cheers to you~
Wow! 🙂
They are gorgeous creatures!
Stunning!
These are very beautiful pictures, Cindy. It is so sad and frightening what humans are doing to the wildlife. Imagine a world with no birds and animals!
It is horrifying isn’t it. Of course we are animals, so if we destroy our planet’s animal world, we will also destroy ourselves.
Amazing! 🙂
Falcons are just the most amazing birds. Seeing one is always a thrill.
Magnificent photos Cindy.
Alison
Thank much Alison & cheers to you in Mexico~
We’re back in Vancouver! For maybe as long as a year. Need a break.
I can well understand. One wants to rest.
What a beautiful bird. Great photos.
Thank you so much Marie. All falcon species are gorgeous creatures.
I’ve never seen a Saker Falcon until now. This is a real treat. Thank you! Such gorgeous plumage and large expressive eyes!
Aren’t they amazing creatures! They are quite big for a falcon too, but very ‘falcony’ in every way.
Incredible photographs. Amazing and so very beautiful. Another wonderful post. Thank you so much.
Awww, thanks much! I was having fun following you around Hawaii. You stayed in all the places we have stayed!
Wonderful are they.
Wonder they bring to the sight.
Yes! They are exquisite!
Fierce looking! If I was a mouse, I’d never come out…I’d have my cheese delivered 😀
Tee hee hee. Brings such smiles to hear from you kiddo! <3
Spectacular photos. I agree with one comment above, it’s scary what we are losing.
I couldn’t possibly agree with you more!
The birds truly look majestic. ☺
So rare now too. I wish more people wanted to protect our planet and all her creatures.
☺
https://youtu.be/o_JfT18F58Y
Wow! Excellent guitar player and love this!
Stunning close ups, Cindy. Aren’t they beautiful? 🙂
Merci beaucoup mon ami Jo!
You are the Bird Woman of Photography. We you in a sanctuary for these photos? Superb.
Awww, thanks much John. So kind of you. The birds were taken in two countries, both in reserves.
Very beautiful
Merci beaucoup!
WOW!!!
Falcons are WOW birds!
They certainly are!
Aren’t they stunners. I love the little nose bands. Like those strips marathon runners used to keep their nostrils open? Maybe the Sacker could get sponsorship?
I would be more than willing to chip in. They could have falcon races, but the peregrines would win!
Pictures of Saker Falcons by Cindi
Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Lovely pictures of Saker Falcons by Cindy.
Gratitude for your thoughtfulness from the falcons and I, & cheers to you too Patricia!
Great shots Cindy.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Hugs back to you David & thank you too!
Wonderful portraits
Honored.
How regal.
Raptors have the regal aloofness that I so admire.
You captured it.
Simply stunning creatures and photos of them!
Peta
They need us to love them, so thank you very much!
Really beautiful and amazing photos, Cindy 🙂
You are a wonderful friend Irene. Cheers to you~ <3
<3
Birds of prey are so cool. Unless you’re a rabbit or something. 😃
Beautiful pics.
The way the pigeon screamed got my instant attention. Birds just scatter when falcons are in the air and rabbits better too!
Haha! You got that right. We get mostly red-tailed hawks around here. And owls too. Fascinating birds. 😃
They are. I love hawks and owls, all raptors.
Looks like it is sitting on my arm. Sharp and clear! Wow…
Falcons are just ultimate wild creatures. Seeing them is always a big thrill.
When they are in the wild they are awesome!
So beautiful… Every detail, Cindy. Amazing. Hugs.
Hugs and gratitude back to you Teagen.
Beautiful birds today, Cindy (kestrels and falcons). They don’t look like predators – they’re so soft and cuddly. 😀 Wonderful photos as always.
I know they have this amazing deceiving appearance. They are lethal and proficient predators.
Stunning photos…you have captured their majesty !
Thank you. They just have majesty oozing out of them!
So gorgeous, Cindy! The clarity is incredible. 🙂
I thank my sony hx400 for this and you too Amy for saying it! <3
What a majestic creature — but oh, my, I’m glad you were spared seeing the pigeon devoured!!
I have never seen a hawk or falcon take a bird from The Holler feeders either which is amazing. I have seen the birds scatter when they are in the air though.
I bet pigeons don’t like them!
Not even a little bit!
Or bite…
They look at you like they know more. Great pictures, Cindy.
I am sure they do know more than us. They are such old creatures, from the time of dinosaurs. Some think dinosaurs were actually feathered and similar to birds which makes sense to me.
Amazing to see their large pupils-explains why these birds can see so far! Awesome shots, Cindy!
They have nicatating membranes that cover their eyes when they dive and attack. They also have a second eyelid, so a total of three eyecoverings. Their incredible eyes are very protected which is remarkable if you think about it. They are designed to hunt and survive.
These images are absolutely amazing Cindy, what a beautiful and alert bird :o) xxx
Good descriptor. All raptors are super alert creatures. They don’t miss anything. It is an amazing experience if you can actually surprise one with your presence.
Now that’s a wise looking bird.
Leslie
They seem possess the wisdom of the ages~
🙂
This bird is just absolutely beautiful. Great shots!
Honored. Thank you!
These are gorgeous birds!
They are, and so well designed to thrive!
Love the blood on its beak! You capture both its beauty and its necessary brutality!
Thank you. Edna St Vincent Millay called this ‘savage beauty’ and I think she nailed it!
I saw a falcon once with a customized license plate on its tail which read: “SPEED KILLS!”
Hah! Great one! I wondered if anyone would bring up the falcon, a ford I believe? One of my boyfriends back in the day had an old falcon clunker. I loved it!
My dad had one too. 🙂
Stunning! Absolutely amazing.
They are incredible creatures and I am happy you see them as I do!
Absolutely astounding photos.
Thank you so much! The birds are astounding and fascinating creatures.
I just fell in love Cindy.. Just beautiful beyond words.. <3
I am fully in love with raptors and their savage beauty, so I am very happy you are too!
I would love to paint one of your images Cindy.. May I copy one from this post, if I print one so that I can copy to canvas Cindy. I do not know when I will get around to painting it as I shall be going away soon. But it will get done during Summer. When its finished I will link it back here to your post, if that would be permissible.. The eyes and beak on one just went into my soul… 🙂
Look how proud the falcon stands in these magnificent photos! ♥
Yes! They have this barely contained sense of haughtiness and superiority. I love it because it seems to put us humans so properly in our place around them. Thanks for noticing.
Lovely!
Merci beaucoup!
de rien 😉
That’s one INTENSE looking bird …
Raptors have those piercing eyes, and intensely focused concentration.
Gorgeous birds, made more exquisite by your stunning photography 💜
Awwww, you are such a good friend Tina. Hugs to you~ <3
Hugs, my friend ❤
Great pictures! I like the big eyes and yellow part above the beak.
They are amazing creatures aren’t they!
Cindy another amazing collection of photos – what a majestic spirit you captured!
I love that descriptor, majestic spirit! That captures them so perfectly. Thank you.
Such a beautiful bird – love the speckled plumage. Your shots are amazing. This was a wild bird?
Actually these are different birds in different countries, both in reserves. I added a note to my post to clarify this.
When you mentioned the pigeon I was confused… 😉
What a handsome bird.
These are three different birds, but all Sakers.
What a gorgeous face!
Falcons are beautiful creatures!
That blue and yellow beak stands out and looks quite fierce, Cindy. The birds are some of my favorite subjects to read! hugs xo
Birds fascinate humans because they seem so unknowable and mysterious, so I understand your interest Robin.
Yes, Cindy! We love their singing and chirping, seeming so cheerful. . . mysterious!
Your bird photography is outstanding. Love it!
Awww, you are very kind.
Wowwwwwwwww! Impressive!!!
The bird is amazingly impressive and we need to make sure it continues to live!
Oh, yes! Like! Like! Like!
Awww, I love my friends. <3
Have a friend and the sun is smiling every day! 💗 💐
Fantastic photos
So appreciated & Happy Friday my friend~
Thanks 🙂
Great photos of a truly noble character.
So happy you see the nobility Dor & have a wonderful weekend!
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Incredible detail Cindy!
The design details are remarkable aren’t they!
Wow! So happy to be guided to your post by Jennifer. These are amazing shots, Cindy!
Lovely to meet you & thank you very much!
Raptor Rapture!
I have a bad case of it!
These are pretty imposing birds, Cindy. One looks like he has blood all over his beak! 🙂
Yes, blood and tissue. These guys are lethal predators.
Yes, I can well imagine.
It is quite sobering to follow your blog, see all the fabulous shots you take of wildlife and learn just how many of them are endangered. Gives me shivers, Cindy! Love to you. May you never be endangered. We need you.
I just signed a petition about giraffes which said that 40% of existing giraffe populations in Africa have died. It should horrify everyone. Giraffes are magical creatures to be around.
It seems like we are close to pigeons, cats and dogs being endangered.
Was the petition you signed from Avaaz? I’m surprised I haven’t got one.
I think change.org, but I get avaaz too. We have to find a way to more effectively resist.
Agree!
What eyes! — Oscar
They are like TV screens they reflect everything. Amazing creatures~
These are really excellent photographs and the birds are very regal. 🙂
You are a good friend Graham. It’s raining at The Holler right now! Woo Hoo! Very unusual for May. Happy weekend~
Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head
Just like the guy whose hat is too big for his head
Nothing seems to fit
Oh, raindrops keep fallin’ on my head
Keep a-fallin’ ~
Love them!!! 🙂
Stunning photographs Cindy – amazing detail we are able to see here. The intensity of the Falcon’s stare is not to be missed. Love the post.
So happy you see them as I do. I love seeing their eyes up close! Happy weekend Mary~
So splendid!
Thank you, yes they are!
can’t believe such beautiful creature would be in in danger. great post 🙂
It is sad isn’t it. Humans need to be more protective of each other and the earth and her creatures.
couldn’t agree more.
They are awesome birds but your photos give us that feeling of having them in our hands. An extraordinary sharpness. Your talent is unsurpassed because it makes us live a fantasy.
Awww, what a truly beautiful comment. Thank you so much. You touched my soul. <3
Amazing pictures, Cindy 🙂 We’re glad you saved the pigeon < Pawkisses for a Happy Sunday 🙂 <3
Thank you! I had never heard a pigeon shriek like that.
That must have been heartbreaking, Cindy <3
He did get away though so that was good~
Fantastic photos of this impressive falcon, Cindy. The gruesome bits of flesh on his formidable bill are especially intriguing.
Thank you my friend. They look so beautiful, it is important to remember how lethal they are.
Awesome pictures!
Honored & pleased you think so!
wonderful!!
Thank you!
Amazing plumage and color. Great shots, Cindy. 😊😊
I am very pleased you see them as I do & thank you!
Reblogged this on Random Ramblings; Myriad Musings and commented:
Falcons and other raptors are fascinating birds. Predatory and beautiful!
😎
Thank you for appreciating their savage beauty my friend and cheers to you!
They are captivating critters, for sure!
🙂
Stunning images you captured, Cindy. Before commenting, I researched that the Saker Falcon is at a premium price in smuggling endeavors in Asian countries, Sad!
I didn’t know that. How very sad. Humans are too cruel.
Such clarity Cindy!! where did you take these photos?? xox
Thank you Rhonda. I love my sony! I took these in different raptor reserves in Europe~
You know how to find the most interesting places Cindy!! wonderful photos all around… xo
I had not heard of these magnificent birds before. I hope they can be saved.
I hope so too. Some human beings don’t realize that as they kill nature, they kill their progeny.
Gorgeous
They are exquisite creatures aren’t they!
Oh yes! Perfect word
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Such beauty… I love Falcons for reasons I can not fathom into words… Love your photography skills.. All article until now are pure beauty.
Ahhh, so kind of you and so very appreciated too! Thank you & cheers~
What an absolute beauty! I’ve never seen one in person before and this might be a better way to appreciate it! <3
You certainly can see him magnified here! Very pleased you like him & cheers to you Teresa! <3