CRESTED CARACARA

Not too many years back the presence of a Crested Caracara caused quite a stir amongst the birders in Louisiana. Their numbers have increased and these magnificent Raptors are indeed quite a pleasure to see when you happen to come upon one.

Two cooperative Crested Caracara were sitting in the grass alongside Pintail Loop. One of them poked his head up from the grass. He was scavenging something on the ground and did not immediately fly.

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He launched from the ground carrying what appears to be a leg of some animal as you can see some furry hair still attached.

He became airborne with his tail feathers spread yielding excellent views of his plumage as he circled to the left.

Still clinging on to his snack he made a wide circle then landed atop a nearby snag.

This is one good-looking Raptor and they always seem so meticulous about their looks as every hair seems to be in place on their black crest atop their head.

A BAD HAIR DAY! The Crested Caracara glanced downwind causing his hair to fluff up giving his crest an almost chicken-like appearance. :)

Even the alligator basking in the sun smiled at the Crested Caracara with the funny-looking crest.