The Saker Falcon is a bird of the Steppes, sub desert and open plains (and very occasionally denser forest). Hunting takes place in open country over areas of about 4000 metres. the Sakers main diet consists of small mammals, lizards and small to medium sized birds. It will even eat large insects. They will selct a disused Eagle, Buzzard or Vulture nest for their own nesting and can be found as high as 20 metres. Alternatively they may choose to nest on a rocky ledge. They will lay 3-6 eggs which are incubated by both parents with the female taking on the bigger role whilst being fed with prey by the male who also takes on the hunting duties. Breeding season is from March to August, the young leave the nest between 45-50 days but further depend on their parents for another 4-6 months.

Peregrine X Lanner

Cross breeding of Peregrine type falcons originated when it became almost impossible to obtain a pure Peregrine falcon from the wild under licence. Captive breeding was just becoming successful and there was a great pressure to breed the peregrine species.

The Peregrine X Lanner has the desirable traits of both species. From the peregrine we have the size, speed, hard feathers and the aggression to prey. the Lanner gives us the ability to work in much more enclosed country. they also have stunning agility and great reliability.

These are some of the falcons you will see flying in our demonstrations. You will see just what we mean when we describe them as agile!

Kestrel (Eurasian) - falco tinnunculus
Length - male 13.5" Female 14"
Distribution - British Isles, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia (except for the far north) parts of Africa excluding desert areas.