Saker Falcons Nest on Power Poles in Austria

Why this is here: Researchers banded 143 young saker falcons in the last year, the highest number documented within the monitoring program.

In Deutsch-Wagram, Austria, five young saker falcons were removed from a nest box on a power pole, examined, and banded. This banding is part of a long-term conservation project involving Austrian Power Grid, Birdlife, and the Veterinary University of Vienna. Researchers attach lightweight aluminum rings to the birds to track their movements and survival rates.

The saker falcon population in Austria nearly died out in the 1970s, with only two to four breeding pairs remaining. Recent counts in 2025 show 59 breeding pairs across the country.

About 143 young birds fledged last year—a record number since monitoring began. Artificial nesting platforms installed on power poles since 2004 now house roughly two-thirds of Austria’s saker falcon population.

Despite these gains, the 2026 breeding season appears to be below average. Monitoring continues to track the birds’ health, breeding success, and long-distance migrations—some travel to Southern and Southeastern Europe, or even North Africa. The team will continue to study these birds and adapt conservation efforts.