Bud and I went for a short drive through the ranch land of Chapman's Ranch the other day in hopes of seeing a few hawks. We only saw one. But other birds as well. And the hawk, I'm taking an uneducated guess as to the species. Not sure, so all you expert birders out there, can help ID?
The first one I show off is a Caracara. NOTICE the flesh colored nodule on its breast. This is: ...a distended crop showing that it has recently eaten.
The first one I show off is a Caracara. NOTICE the flesh colored nodule on its breast. This is: ...a distended crop showing that it has recently eaten.
CRESTED CARACARA
Habitat map: Caracara
A perfect showing of why these egrets are named. They DO follow cattle! Oftentimes I see them where cattle graze.
CATTLE EGRETS
Habitat map: Egret
The next image is poorly discolored. I am usually forced to stop the car and focus through the tinted windshield for these birds! For, they fly away as soon as the car is stopped, and I end up playing tag...losing of course. So, I slowed the car down and aimed through the window beFORE it flew off!
AMERICAN KESTREL
Habitat map: Kestrel
Can't help with the hawk ID Anni. Other than the plumage is juvenile. I am agree about Cattle Egrets. I have the same photo of one sat on a cow's back. Thanks for the link today and every week.
ReplyDeleteThe cattle egret taking insects disturbed by the cattle is a familiar scene here. Your photos are awesome!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful variety of birds! Is a Caracara a type of Hawk? And why do those Egrets follow cattle?
ReplyDeleteGinny, the caracara is a Mexican eagle. In fact I believe it's their national bird.
DeleteIt's fun to see the big flocks of Cattle Egrets! And that Caracara is a majestic bird for sure! Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteHello Anni :=)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots of the Caracara, and you did a good job of photographing the American Kestral. It's fun to see the Cattle Egret perched on the back of a cow or horse, and they have a good relationship, as they eat the bugs and flies that would otherwise irritate the cattle. I once asked my late husband to stop the car because I saw a pony with a cattle egret on its back, but as I drew near it flew to the ground, so I missed out on a fun photo.
I enjoyed seeing all your photos and thank you so much for hosting.
All these gorgeous birds you have included in the past. Thanks for the hosting of the event.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures, Anni! I am the last person to ask what type of hawk.
ReplyDeleteI believe you about the doves. The Bob White has two different calls, but can find no place that has them. And I cannot even half whistle any more...but the one call will call them right in. I have did it when I was young. I have looked for it several times at All ABout Birds and other places and never heard it.
Hi Anni: I think your mystery bird is a White-tailed Hawk. It appears to me to be an adukt bird of this species.
ReplyDeleteNo,they're gray with a rusty shoulder and the wing feathers on an adult WTH are longer than the body. It's nothing like them
DeletePerhaps not an adult. Maybe a one year old bird. I still think it is a White-tailed Hawk. Perhaps someone else will weigh in on this.
ReplyDeleteWow! Nice flock. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteInteresting observation about the caracara's full crop. Nice getting the Cattle Egret perching on the cow. In Florida the White-winged Dove calls out "who-cooks-for-you" as if imitating a high-pitched Barred Owl .Can't help with the hawk-- I have only seen one White-tailed Hawk in my life, and it was an adult with distinctive plumage.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of beautiful birds!
ReplyDeleteWow excellent photos. Can't even pick a favorite!!!
ReplyDeleteSo interesting! I loved the pictures. Greetings, Raquel
ReplyDelete