Florida Morning Sky

Continuing the Joe Overstreet Series from my recent Florida trip; this photograph of a small flock of rare Whooping Cranes was captured on my last morning of birding. You will notice that the right leg of the lead crane is extended unnaturally. Apparently the leg had been injured at some time in the past. Once the bird was on the ground it had no noticeable problem walking.

For more stunning skies visit the Sky Watch Community

Note:
A number of you commented on my previous post that they were unfamiliar with the Crested Caracara. I must admit that until I did internet research for bird photography locations near Kissimmee Florida that I too had never heard of it either. I came across it on a site that recommended the Joe Overstreet Rd as an excellent location for birding. The page mentioned that Caracaras are frequently sighted there. How lucky could I get to bump into one during my brief visit!


Cornell.edu describes the Crested Caracara as follows:

A tropical falcon version of a vulture, the Crested Caracara reaches the United States only in Arizona, Texas, and Florida. It is a bird of open country, where it often is seen at carrion with vultures.
Large, long-legged raptor. Black cap with short crest at back. Pale sides of back and neck. Bare red skin on face. Black body. White tail with wide black tip. White patches at ends of dark wings. Faint barring on upper back and breast.
Size: 49-58 cm (19-23 in)
Wingspan: 120 cm (47 in)
Weight: 1050-1300 g (37.07-45.89 ounces)