Saker Falcon? Iran (2 Viewers)

[ehsan]

I'm posting this on behalf of a friend.
It was recorded on August 7 in the north-west of Iran.

It would be great to have your opinion on this falcon. Is it a 2cy bird?

Thank you in advance

 

[KenM]

Am no expert, but it looks very much like a Saker Falcon ehsan, the detached moustachial does support imo, as to ageing am unsure, perhaps a sub-adult might be a consideration?

Cheers

 

[FormerMemberfor15years]

Typical Saker IMO, nice pics.

 

[Deb Burhinus]

. Is it a 2cy bird?

If the feet are bluish here rather than yellow which they appear to be on my screen, that would make it a 1cy.

 

[wolfbirder]

I am no real expert only having seen them in Hungary, but it certainly looks like ajuvenile to me with atypical heavy breast streaking. Not sure how this develops in 2CY birds.

 

[Deb Burhinus]

I am no real expert only having seen them in Hungary, but it certainly looks like ajuvenile to me with atypical heavy breast streaking. Not sure how this develops in 2CY birds.

I was just coming back to have another look at this having checked in my available literature. The bluish foot colour (and cere) apparently can be retained for a year maybe more so perhaps not a reliable aging criteria. It can be difficult to age these birds as the OP indicated. In the last image #5 - the outer primary looks juvenile (pointed and brown) while the adjacent ones look fresh and more rounded - I don’t know enough about Sakers/moult/ to really know this significance but in other falcons I think at this time of year, it might indicate a 2cy.

 

[Zulfu Farajli]

Hello, I am birder from Azerbaijan and was searching for saker records in nearby areas. Could you specify NW Iran further, I am curious if it is close to our border or not? Thanks

 

[tconzemi]

Hello, I am birder from Azerbaijan and was searching for saker records in nearby areas. Could you specify NW Iran further, I am curious if it is close to our border or not? Thanks

I would advice not to reveal Saker observations on Internet!!!!!!!

 

[Zulfu Farajli]

I would advice not to reveal Saker observations on Internet!!!!!!!

Indeed, I know Ehsan, what I meant through private message rather than here.

 

[Richard Prior]

Indeed, I know Ehsan, what I meant through private message rather than here.

I wouldn’t disclose Saker (or any other threatened species for that matter, especially falcons) locations by private message either unless I knew the person and was sure of their good intentions!