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Photo of the Month: Amur Falcon

by Romy Ocon


This wonderful photo came about through an amazing series of fortunate events that put the right person at the right place and the right time. The best bird photographer of the Philippines happened to capture a country record in his home province!


Amur Falcon by Romy Ocon
Amur Falcon by Romy Ocon

Amur Falcon
Falco amurensis
female, migrant
new Philippine country record
Habitat – this individual was seen in grassland/pasture land
Talogtog, San Juan, La Union, Philippines
November 1, 2014

Shooting info – Canon 1D MIV + EF 500 f4 L IS + EF 1.4x TC II, 700 mm, f/7.1, ISO 400, 1/1600 sec, manual exposure in available light, 475B/516 support.

The exciting news on the confirmation of ID came from avian expert Desmond Allen, relayed via PM at PBPF yesterday. The raptor I photographed recently in my home province, which I initially identified as a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), turned out to be something different.

Actually, very different and record setting….. the images were the first known occurrence in the wild of this species in the Philippines!
I guess this is what wild bird photography is all about – having fun in the capture and sharing of avian images. Sometimes, as a bonus, a lucky birdnut can make a bit of contribution to science and general knowledge, too.
Here’s a couple of snapshots of the new bird, I wish I can see it again soon so I can get more aesthetically pleasing photographs. This species became my 276th photo-lifer. 🙂
Amur Falcon by Romy Ocon
Amur Falcon by Romy Ocon
Shooting info – Talogtog, San Juan, La Union, Philippines, November 1, 2014, Canon 1D MIV + EF 500 f4 L IS + EF 1.4x TC II, 700 mm, f/7.1, ISO 400, 1/1600 sec, manual exposure in available light, 475B/516 support.

6 Comments

  1. Pingback:January 2015 | e-BON

  2. Philip Veerman

    I am wondering what an Amur Falcon is. The closest name I find in a look at some references is Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus and comparing pictures, yes I think it looks like an immature of one of them (more than most other falcons).

    • Sylvia Ramos

      Hi, I didn’t put in the complete details of this sighting. Thanks for pointing that out. I will edit it now. It’s Falco amurensis, the same species that was in the news recently when many of them were massacred in India. The Indian government was able to put a stop to the massacre.

  3. Philip Veerman

    I have written a couple messages about meeting some of you people or going on any birding trip on my upcoming visit there (from Australia) in 2 weeks. I have not received any response. I don’t want to complain but that is very strange to me. Anyone visiting Australia and asking for such help and advice would receive lots of offers and advice.

    • Sylvia Ramos

      I posted a reply to your comment about your visit. I said that i posted your message on the club’s egroup. I hope you will receive replies soon! I suppose people are very busy with the holidays. You can also email Mike Lu regarding club trips: myckle224@yahoo.com

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