Could this be anything else than Lanner Falcon?

[SzimiStyle]

Hi Gurus,

I have photographed a falcon in Romania which was a member of a falcon "flock" providing the second record of Eleonora Falcon for Romania if accepted (image is available).

This individual was in the same flock. Our suggestion is a possible Lanner Falcon (http://kepfeltoltes.pirateclub.hu/pics/LannerQuestionmark3.jpg). Still waiting for some confirmation from Dick. Hope I can make a tick :)

Looking forward to hear your comments.

Szimi :certifiable:

[Colin Key]

Szimi,

This looks more like a Saker Falcon to me - the flanks are very obviously streaked whereas in Lanner they would be barred.

I have very limited experience with Lanner (probably only seen four or five and not at particularly close range), but have frequently had good views of Saker as they are used by the falconers at Faro airport to chase off the pigeons, etc.

Colin

[SzimiStyle]

Hi Colin,

As this is a juvenile the barred flanks is not not valid. The image has been sent, in the meantime, to Dick Forsman who replied immediately. Based on him (and some other experts) it is no doubt we saw a juvenile Lanner Falcon. Very nice records made near the Babadag Forest in Dobrogea, Romania.

Story of this trip will be available in English soon on my blog.

BR: Szimi

[Brian S]

Szimi

Not an easy one this - these two are, as you know, very difficult, especially when all have is one image from below. There are lots of questions, but few answers.

The legs are bluish-grey, but are they changing colour?

The moustache looks dark and pointed here, but it is pale below the eye - is this bleached out in the image or actually present?

How dark was the crown?

Etc., etc..

Brian S

[SzimiStyle]

Yes, legs are changing colors to yellow.
Image was not manipulated that way. Just sharpening applied.
One other comment which I have not mentioned yet. The bird was feeding on insects which Lanners do many times but Sakers 'never'.

Still not ticking Lanner on my Life List Sheet. :puzzled::nah::wink:

Szimi

[wintibird]

Well, if you got your positive answer from Dick Forsman don't hesitate to tick it. He's very, very rarely wrong (if ever).

André

[macrourus]

LANNER Falcon for sure indeed....

the legs fetahers-throusers are TOO pale for any Saker...

legs are oftne grey or bluish in many juv. Lanner for some months after fledging...

see my papers in Birding World, Limicola, etc. etc.

ciao
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[macrourus]

On the UK Stop Press there is a possible Booted Eagle

IT IS 10O% A JUV. HONEY BUZZARD
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