Six Occupied Territories and New Hope for the Saker Falcon in Bulgaria in 2026

During the 2026 field season, teams from Green Balkans and the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) continued the regular monitoring of both potential and known nesting territories of the Saker Falcon in Bulgaria. This year, experts inspected hundreds of raptor nests in habitats suitable for the species within and around Natura 2000 sites. As a result of these efforts, a total of six occupied territories were recorded, including four established pairs of this exceptionally rare species in Bulgaria.

Thanks to regular monitoring, our teams closely followed the development of the three known pairs from last year. Unfortunately, only the oldest and most experienced pair successfully raised offspring—four young falcons that are now flying freely in the wild. The other two pairs failed to produce fledglings, most likely due to the exceptionally rainy spring and the inexperience of the parent birds.

The most encouraging news of the season came from the territories occupied by solitary male Saker Falcons last year. One of these males was observed once again in his territory, but this time accompanied by a female. Although the newly formed pair did not proceed to breeding during this year's nesting season, their pairing represents a major success and gives strong hope that they will raise their first brood next year.

The continued presence of the birds and the formation of new pairs demonstrate that conservation efforts aimed at restoring the species—including the release of captive-bred birds to reinforce the population—are producing positive results. Most of the Saker Falcons recorded during the monitoring are birds released through Green Balkans’ programme for the reintroduction of the Saker Falcon in Bulgaria.

Field activities under the “Life for the Falcon” project continue throughout the year. Our teams remain in the field to monitor the lives of the young birds and their parents, gathering invaluable information on the behaviour, movements, and threats facing this rare species in Bulgaria.