Falcon (Italy, Parco Naturale Alpi Marittime, August 5, 2022) (1 Viewer)

[Frank-birding]

Yesterday I saw this Falcon (Lanner?) in the Alpi Marittime nature reserve.

It was exactly at the top of the Colle di Fenestrelle mountain pass (2463m). The birds were higher, 2700m, up at the higher rock face.
Time: 10:30, Date: 5th of August 2022.

I’m fairly sure I saw 2 of these large Falcons hunting together.
In any case they alarmed a female Kestrel, that flew panicking and loudly alarming around too. One of the large Falcons ended up with a prey in it’s talons.

When higher up in the sky, the possible Lanner was gliding in flight, not moving its wings.

It was quite a lot bigger and bulkier than the female Kestrel.

My first impression was juvenile Peregrine, then I realised that the heavier body streaking, buff colour and unmarked vent might point to Lanner. In both cases the black (sub)terminal tail band confuses me however.

Any help in ID-ing this bird would be much appreciated!

(Washed-out images by phone from the back of the camera unfortunately, as I’m currently away from my computer… I can attach the original ones later .)

Regards,
Frank van de Velde

 

[Butty]

Apart from what you say about its relative size... it's a kestrel.

 

[Frank-birding]

Apart from what you say about its relative size... it's a kestrel.

Thank you Butty for solving my ID question! It also explains the dark tail band. The size must have been a trick of the eye.

Or would you think the bird pictured straight above, against the sky, in the last images might have been another bird? That was actually the one looking so large and bulky. But I assume that this one also is a Kestel.

Bye, Frank

 

[Butty]

Yes, I did think there could be two birds (missing/moulting secondaries), both kestrels. Size is a funny business.