Thursday, January 08, 2009

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)

18 comments:

Photo Cache said...

I envy those birders like you who would go on birding trips. Thanks for sharing your captures.

SandyCarlson said...

Those birds sure are adaptable. Glad he could walk. Great shots.

Redzlan aka Tabib said...

Beautiful captured of crane in flight.
Yes, I see that right leg.
Happy SW Friday!

angela said...

He seems to be flying ok..great capture.

Connie T. said...

Such a wonderful sky it is.

photowannabe said...

Very delightful series and such beautiful birds.
Thanks for the explaination of the Caracara.

Leedra said...

At first glance my reference books don't show any Whooping Cranes in Florida. Then I see in the Sibley that says "Experimental introduced populations in Idaho, New Mexico, and Florida account for only a few individuals."

Ivar Østtun said...

Beautiful image. Thank you for the information about Caracara. Happy SWF.

Kathy W said...

Good Morning Salty. Great shot of the whooping cranes. LOL I don't think thats a bird I will see flying around Oklahoma anywhere. Well maybe see it in the zoo. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Arija said...

Love your bird photography!

Louise said...

Love this and all your Florida bird/sky shots. I'm in central FL right now, but in conferences and have seen an egret and some seagulls, but that's it.

Kerri Farley said...

Love this "in flight" shot! Great!!

Shelley said...

Love your flight shots!

Shelley said...

Love your flight shots!

Brad Myers said...

Salty, it looks like you used your time wisely while in sunny Florida. I am betting htis weekend and next week you wouldn't mind being back with the weather we are getting.

imac said...

Beautifully captured Salty.
Thanks for your kind comments.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Salty: Neat sky capture of the Whooping Crane and that ones leg is odd.

Unknown said...

You have some great bird shots on your blog!!