Mike in the Wild

Birds of prey or raptors fascinate people more than most other birds.  Stealthy and powerful hunters, they instill fear and respect in the animal kingdom even when not in fierce attack mode.  Mankind has even channeled a passion for them in the form of the ancient sport of falconry. These birds that feed on small animals like rodents and often other birds belong in several avian families, including eagles, buzzards, owls, falcons and hawks.   If you see a bird of prey soaring high in the sky or perched on a utility pole, it's most likely a red-tailed hawk because it's the most widespread and common raptor on the North American continent. Of course it's the screech of the red-tailed hawk that helps set the bar for the ferocity that we associate with all birds of prey.  It's a short, high-pierced scream that every Hollywood film uses when they want to portray the sound of a hunter like the much larger eagle.  But in fact it's this common hawk's call alone...

Crested Caracara Sightings near Picacho Peak (Feb.17th) Thanks to a Facebook Group I learned that a number of crested caracaras  make their home in an agricultural area called Santa Cruz Flats.  The caracara is a vulture-like falcon, more resident in Latin America, Southern Texas and South Florida than Arizona.  This location may be its northern-most range. I was thrilled to photograph one in a field in the extreme northeast of this area, close to Picacho Peak State Park, thanks to some specific advice from some local birders.  This was close to the intersection of E. Baumgartner and S. Wheeler Roads. Please note the farms are private property.  The following are some photos of my outing, with captions. Fallow cotton field among many irrigated fields in the area. Great blue heron in between two fields. Pecan trees seem to border the farms. First caracara sighting. Cropped shot. I suspect they're growing alfalfa. Extremely cr...