Friday, September 7, 2007 - Red-footed Falcons gathering before migration
Last week there were two Lesser Kestrels claimed in Hungary. The two immature birds were found at one of the biggest gathering sites for Red-footed Falcons. There was a debate on the identification of the kestrels and the Hungarian Rarities Committee will have to decide as usual.
The more interesting for us, however, is that there are several hundreds of Red-footed Falcons at this site and there are other such sites throughout the Eastern part of Hungary. The falcons are hunting during the day for their prey of insects and fly in to roost in smaller patches of trees in the evening. It is an unforgettable spectacle to watch them circling above the trees and settling down on bare branches. It is a perfect occasion to marvel at the beauty of these mighty birds and to observe males, females and young birds thoroughly.
Of course these roosting sites can only be visited with a national park ranger as part of a guided tour. A perfect holiday that includes a visit to one of the best roosting sites of Red-footed Falcons is our Raptor Special Tour. You can see Imperial and White-tailed Eagle, Saker, Long-legged Buzzard, Pallid Harrier, owls, woodpeckers, Great Bustard, Dotterel and many migrating birds if you join us.
|
