|
English
and Scientific names: |
Northern
Caracara
Caracara cheriway
|
|
Number
of individuals: |
2 (apparently a mated pair) |
|
Locality:
LOUISIANA: |
Vermilion |
|
Specific
Locality: |
on a small islet in a pond just northeast of the HQ building at the White Lake State Wildlife Area. |
|
Date(s)
when observed: |
1/31/07 |
|
Time(s)
of day when observed: |
1100-1130 |
|
Reporting
observer and address: |
Bob Russell West St. Paul, MN |
|
Other observers accompanying
reporter who also identified the bird(s): |
Gay Gomez, Michael Putnam |
|
Other observers who
independently identified the bird(s) |
Michael Putnam, Gay Gomez |
|
Light conditions
(position of bird in relation to shade and to direction and amount of light): |
overcast,light conditions moderately good |
|
Optical
equipment: |
10x40 Zeiss |
|
Distance
to bird(s): |
100 yards |
|
Duration
of observation: |
on and off for half an hour |
|
Habitat:
|
small cypress trees on an islet in an artificially constructed pond |
|
Behavior
of bird: |
Both birds took turns flying back and forth from some pine trees at the far backside of the pond and fussed over a small platform of sticks that appeared to be a nest under partial construction. We never actually saw the birds carrying sticks but at times both birds appeared in the platform at the same time |
|
Description: |
Large, rather rapid-flying black and white raptor showed characteristic large white wing patches, size of a large heavy buteo, characteristic white-face, neck, and bright reddish face, bill dark, black cap and crest and ragged crest noted when birds perched. Flight steady, quick flapping and rather swift, no soaring noted. |
|
Voice: |
some alarm calls given by one of the birds, "kep, kep, kep" rather high pitched and softer than an eagle, pattern more like eagle than osprey. |
|
Similar species: |
Red-shouldered Hawk--one in vicinity at same time, much smaller,brownish with reddish wings, banded tail, little comparison. |
|
Photographs or tape
recordings obtained? |
no |
|
Previous experience with
this species: |
Seen multiple times in FL, TX, W LA, and E Mexico |
|
Identification
aids: |
at time of observation: None needed. Birds obvious to all observers. after observation: Looked at National Geographic
guide to see if adults are similarly plumaged (they are). |
|
This
description is written from: |
Notes one hour after observation |
|
Are you positive of your
identification? If not, explain: |
All observers 100% positive--at least 10 other observers besides those named above. |
|
Reporter:
|
Bob Russell
|
|
Date
and time: |
2/9/07 |