Prairie Falcon? - South Dakota, US (1 Viewer)

veagle

Well-known member

• Nov 10, 2009

• #21

Well, for what it's worth, having considered all the evidence, and appreciative of all your opinions and expertise, I consider this to be a small male Prarie Falcon, and that's how I'll record it. This has truly been a learning experience. Thanks to all of you.

Veagle

 

SteveC_07

Well-known member

• Nov 10, 2009

• #22

Veagle,

Here is a Prairie Falcon I saw this past weekend. (Also a lifer for me). Other than the fact mine has a darker mustache, it might as well be the same bird. I had a great size reference in that an RT Hawk was sitting in the same tree.

 

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R

Roy Priest

Well-known member

• Nov 10, 2009

• #23

This is definitely a Prairie Falcon. Probably an adult male.

 

veagle

Well-known member

• Nov 11, 2009

• #24

SteveC_07 said:

Veagle,

Here is a Prairie Falcon I saw this past weekend. (Also a lifer for me). Other than the fact mine has a darker mustache, it might as well be the same bird. I had a great size reference in that an RT Hawk was sitting in the same tree.

Click to expand...

Steve,

Let's see... Rapid City to Wichita a long day's flight for a PRFA, who knows??

I had actually seen a few in flight before, but never got this good a view. Ironically made the ID more difficult.

Veagle

 

birdboybowley

Well-known member.....apparently so ;)

• Nov 11, 2009

• #25

Check out the head/bill size ratios between the two pics....still can't get the first bird as a Prairie with that sized head/bill..the 2nd pic is definitely a Prairie (alot more Peregrine-proportioned)

 

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Roy Priest

Well-known member

• Nov 11, 2009

• #26

THis is just a question but how many of you trying to identify this bird have actually seen a Prairie FAlcon? This is a Prairie!!

 

birdboybowley

Well-known member.....apparently so ;)

• Nov 11, 2009

• #27

Seen quite a few of both thanks - a hell of alot more Merlins obviously. All I'm saying is with that one first photo on jizz alone I'd've said Merlin. The 2nd photo isn't in doubt but the two when compared are quite different structually

 

The Falcon

Registered Birder

• Nov 11, 2009

• #28

Before reading any of the posts, my first impression was Prairie Falcon. And I still have no doubt that it is one.

Here is a photo of a Prairie Falcon that looks similar to the OP's bird:
http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/leica/uploaded_images/PRFA-ad-020707_01-723955.jpg

 

R

Roy Priest

Well-known member

• Nov 11, 2009

• #29

birdboybowley said:

Seen quite a few of both thanks - a hell of alot more Merlins obviously. All I'm saying is with that one first photo on jizz alone I'd've said Merlin. The 2nd photo isn't in doubt but the two when compared are quite different structually

Click to expand...

Here is another male prairie to compare to.

 

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veagle

Well-known member

• Nov 11, 2009

• #30

birdboybowley said:

Check out the head/bill size ratios between the two pics....still can't get the first bird as a Prairie with that sized head/bill..the 2nd pic is definitely a Prairie (alot more Peregrine-proportioned)

Click to expand...

I think the angle of the shots was quite different; my bird was a good 75 -100 feet in the air at the top of a high tension tower. The other shot looks like it was significantly lower. I am convinced mine was Prairie Falcon.

 

MLoyko

d[-_-]b

• Nov 11, 2009

• #31

Roy Priest said:

THis is just a question but how many of you trying to identify this bird have actually seen a Prairie FAlcon? This is a Prairie!!

Click to expand...

Never, but I'm pretty sure I made that clear in most of my previous posts though? But yes Prairie and now this thread can rest 8-P