Sony F-828 digital 51mm at f7.1 1/250 at ISO 100

Viva México!

Say "hola" to the national bird of Mexico, the crested caracara (Caracara cheriway). They're becoming increasingly rare in Florida, so I was delighted to get the opportunity to photograph this one quite closely, and so far it's been the only one I've seen.

Caracaras are scavengers, like the omnipresent vultures in the States, with a more varied diet though. They are typically seen on the ground, often with vultures. I find their appearance pretty interesting, though, especially the overlapping lower beak of this one, which looks to be a healed injury. But the toupee is just too obvious...