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)
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