180. Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug)

Saker Falcons are rare in Europe, being found only in parts of eastern Europe and also further east into central Asia and southern Russia. It is partially migratory for the most part but resident in some small areas. It is a large falcon, nearly as big as Gyrfalcon, and similar in shape with broad, blunt-tipped wings in flight. The pale blue-grey cere and eye ring of the individual in the photo show that it is a juvenile; adults look very similar but are less boldly streaked below and tend to have a paler head. Their preferred habitat is steppe near to forests, grassland, and sometimes agricultural land, marshes and sea coasts (during migration).

Saker Falcon, ©Sergey Pisarevskiy, via Flickr Creative Commons.

Saker Falcon painting.

This one has turned out OK I think, I'm pleased I managed to do it in about an hour, as usual I got scared of the fine detailing on the wing and bodged it a bit but I like the rest.