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Welcome to Brazos Bend State Park. That's me on the trail. One of the most popular reasons for people to visit BBSP is to see the birds. Although *I* started going to the park mainly for
the alligators, one cannot be there for long without learning to enjoy the birds.  Thanks to visits with Doris Mager, I met a rehab Caracara (named Cara), a few times. Ever since then, I've
looked for, and found Crested Caracaras (Caracara plancus) near me. Over the years, I've captured a few pictures and video clips of Caracaras, and here they are. Newest captures are at the
top.

02/27/2022. More cool encounters! So here are a couple raptors from that morning. Crested Caracara flying over Pilant Lake at 8:55am; and a juvenile Bald Eagle in
Pilant Lake at 9:38am, just North of the Spillway Bridge.  

  
   Crested Caracara 8:55am                                   Juvenile Bald Eagle  9:38am

At BBSP on 01/30/2022. About 50�F Brazos Bend State Park when I got there. Instead of watching over Pilant Lake, I decided to head down the Spillway Trail
to Otter Island (about 800 steps East of the Tower) to look for Otters. No luck on this day, but Crested Caracaras (Caracara plancus) were visible through the day, while I stayed around the
mother alligator and her den. They've been active in the area for weeks (I've got other images here already), and seem to be a mating pair. (There must be a nest somewhere near--or will be.)
I caught a single frame of one of the Caracaras carrying something long and dark--possibly a  siren carcass.  Click on the link to see a video of the two Caracaras eating a mystery carcass.
   

   

 01/09/2022. Caracaras at Brazos Bend State Park. A pair of Caracaras were in Pilant Lake, about 100 yards North of the 40-Acre Lake trail. Although they were
so far away, I started shooting video anyway. Even though it was only for about 15 minutes,  I caught some interesting behavior.  They were at a carcass, and I watched them share 
a few beakfuls of food, talk with each other, and even mate. Then they flew off. I've edited the video clips I captured into this 5 minute video.  The images below are all frame grabs
from the video clips.  Unfortunately, since the Caracaras were so far way, I had to crop and manipulate the video so it would be clear. This didn't help much with the single images.
   

   

   

   

On 01/01/2022; I was one of the guides during the First Day Hike at Brazos Bend State Park. The weather was unseasonably warm, to say the least (near
80� F later in the day.  The "hike" portion of the day was from 8:00am to 12:00 pm. I'm often on the trails doing "roving interpretation" anyway, so my part wasn't much different.
There were just more people hiking around 40 Acre lake than usual.  Since the weather was so warm, it was very comfortable in the morning. A few alligators were moving around,
a pod of baby alligators was visible (I've been monitoring them for weeks, so didn't take any pictures for this hike).  It was a lot of fun!  Here are a few pictures of the less-common
sights.
 
  
Crested Caracaras (Caracara plancus) have been active in the area (North side of 40 Acre Lake) more than usual over the last month or so--at least as far as my experience.  I saw 
them quite a few times during First Day Hike.

On 11/07/2021; I parked in the 40-Acre Lake parking lot.  I opened the car door, looked out, and saw this Red-Shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) perched on  the sign about 20 yards away.
 About 30 minutes after leaving the hawk, a Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) flew in from the North, and landed in a tree on the 40-Acre Lake Trail. 5 minutes later, it took off and flew 
North. While I was looking that way, I noticed another Red-Shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) (I.D. provided by Lauren Helton  (twitter: @tinylongwing) thanks!) perched at the top of a small, 
bare tree. The images below are taken from photos and video clips I shot at the time. I've also edited  a 7 minute video clip that collects the video I captured of these events.  The wonderful
yellow flowers are probably Swamp Sunflowers (Helianthus agustifolius).
   

The Caracara returned from the North, so I started shooting video.  While I filmed, the Caracara got closer and closer!  Then it turned while it was overhead, circled back out, turned again. 
   

Then it swerved and flew right at the hawk! It didn't hit the hawk, but passed so close that it could have. Then I noticed that another Caracara was standing among the Swamp Sunflowers. 
   

   

   

When I focused the camera on the one on the ground, the Hawk buzzed that Caracara, then landed among the flowers a yard or so behind the Caracara.
   

   

The Caracara-which had ducked to avoid the hawk-stood up with its back to the hawk, then bent its head backwards to look at the hawk. I've only witnessed a captive Caracara do this, but
have read about the behavior. They sometimes "laugh" by making loud calls at the same time. I was too far away to hear anything like that.
   

The hawk took off and buzzed the Caracara again. I don't know where it landed.  The Caracara in the flowers started back to eating. A couple minutes later the other Caracara came down
 to land, but jumped back up out of the flowers. Then the hawk made another swoop at the Caracara. I don't know where the hawk went after this, but the "flying caracara"  ended up in
the tree where I'd first noticed the hawk. Caracara tried another landing and took off. Caracara took off, then landed on a shorter tree. Here's the takeoff sequence.
   

   
 
Then that Caracara finally landed in the flowers. The Caracaras both ate the carcass that was hidden among the flowers. A crow ended up on the "hawks tree". Caracaras continued eating. 
A crow landed near the Carcaras. One of the caracaras finally took off. I left soon after.  At the time, I was just observing everything that happened and enjoying the experience. After
reviewing the images and video clips, I think I figured out why the Carcaras and Hawk were so antagonistic towards each other. I believe the Caracaras had stolen the Hawk's breakfast.
I arrived late to the situation, but it does explain why the "flying" Caracara was harassing the Hawk (trying to drive it away)--and why the Hawk was harassing the Caracara on the ground
(really annoyed by losing its meal and trying to get it back).  Of course, this is just a guess. I know Caracaras prefer scavenging over hunting; and Hawks hunt often (though they will scavenge).
Again, here's the 7 minute video clip that collects the video I captured of these events.

On 10/31/2021; 8:20am, there were 2 Crested Caracaras in a tree at the edge Pilant Lake on the 40-Acre Lake trail. One took off, went out, and
looped over the lake. I got one photo of it flying towards me.  But I knew the Caracara was moving too fast for me. So I started shooting video and hoped for the best.  
Video was shot at 60fps, and playback is not very clear. But, here's a segment of it played back at 1/4 speed.  I pulled frames from the video and got some useable images, too.   
Recent genetic studies show C. cheriway (Northern Crested) and C. plancus (Southern Crested) are the same. So they are all C. plancus now, or commonly, Crested Caracaras.
For those "birders" who may wish to investigate, here are some links that discuss the current reclassification: link one   link two   link three
   
Except for the first two images, these are all frames from the video.  These shows how the wings are brought back up and then perform the next down stroke.

   
The wings fold partially to allow for less resistance while being lifted, then they are extended for increased wing surface on the downstroke.

   
I consider myself very lucky to live in an area where Crested Carcaras forage and fly. They are wonderful! Many years ago (2007 - 2010, 2012 ), I was also able to visit with Doris Mager and
meet the raptors she toured with when they appeared at Brazos Bend State Park.  I did this more than once, and my biggest thrill was being able to hold Cara--one of the raptors that
toured with her. 
 

Since then, I've seen them around. However, I don't usually see them foraging inside BBSP. I've seen them fly by, or occasionally perch in trees (like they did this morning). I usually see them
along the roads, or in fields I pass on the way to the park. Over the last 5 years or so, I've found some areas near me that Caracaras like to visit-especially Archbishop Fiorenza Park North.
One one eventful day out there, I was able to watch (and get video-all from far away) of a Caracara pushing Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) and Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) away from
a carcass. 15-minute video is here. 
Not too long ago, I read a book about Caracaras. Although it was inspired by Striated Caracaras, it does discuss the entire group.  It was a great book!  If the reader is interested, it is:
A Most Remarkable Creature  by Jonathen Meiburg. Here's a link to his website,  so I don't favor any particular seller.  There is discussion within of how Caracaras are related to other
birds. Generally Caracaras are grouped with Falcons and are separate from most groups of "raptors".  Falcons nearest genetic relatives are...Parrots!  I found the genetic studies that he referenced
(thanks to notes in the book). They are interesting, but quite technical for me.  On a very related note, Sean McCann is a biologist/photographer that I've been following for some years online.
I'd seen his research on wasp behavior, and also on Red-Throated Caracaras (they dive-bomb wasp nests to knock them out of trees).  What I did NOT expect was to see him appear in the book.
And now, I've just revisited his domain, and have found pictures taken during the expedition described by Mr. Meiburg in his book.  So--read the book, and look at images (some of which are
in the book) here.

12/24/2018   I went out to Fiorenza park as I often do. I was hoping to see a Bald Eagle, but of course many other birds show up there. I was on the East elevated section--near the bridge to the
West elevated section when I noticed large black birds on the grass about 100 yards away. When I looked through binoculars, I saw Vultures...but I also so a bird with a white head. But, it wasn't
a Bald Eagle--it was a Crested Caracara. Since they were clustered around something on the grass, I assumed that they had found something to eat...such as a carcass. I'd read that Caracaras
competed with Vultures for carrion and I thought this was a chance to watch them together. So, I hurried down the hill, across the bridge, and back up the hill to where I could see the Vultures.  
Then I started shooting video.
I only watched the birds for about 15 minutes--but a lot happened during that time. I watched the Caracara (Caracara cheriway) as it chased a group of Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) AND a group
of Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) away from the carcass. I couldn't tell what the carcass had been.  I also watched as the Vultures tried various non-violent ploys to get some of that carrion.
I shoot my "normal" video at 60fps, and 1920 x 1080 resolution.  This allows me to easily slow the video to 30 fps (1/2 speed) and keep smooth video playback.  And, I can crop the video to enhance
details I want to show.  From my video clips,  I've put together a video that just under 15 minutes long. The three images below--and today's RICKUBISCAM picture--are frame grabs from the video 
clips. the video is linked here.   I had a wonderful time watching these majestic birds!!
 

February 11-12, 2012--Doris Mager!!  Doris Mager, founder of S.O.A.R. (Save Our American Raptors) was out at Brazos Bend State Park again. I try to attend her program at least once every time she
comes by. This time, I sat in for 3 of them. One on Saturday (I wasn't working) and two on Sunday. They were held in the Dining Hall. One of the visitors at the park Saturday emailed me some pictures and
a video clip. The pictures show below, and the video clip is here (3.8 mb wmv) or here (4.3 mb flv). In the clip, I walk to the end of the  aisle, then release E.T. the Great Horned Owl to fly to the front.  Doris
has been working with Eagles and raptors for over 30 years, and has all kinds of interesting stories and facts to share. It is due to the efforts of people like Doris that we can go out and see wild Bald Eagles
fly over our heads (if we are lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time). But, there was a time not that long ago that everyone thought all of our Eagles would be gone. I'm always happy to see 
Doris!  The fifth picture below shows Doris as she is talking about the Crested Caracara--while holding Cara the Caracara.

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                      DORIS GIVES ME E.T.                                                       RICK AND E.T.                                                               E.T WATCHES US.

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          THE DINING HALL IN E.T.'S EYE.                           DORIS MAGER AND CARA

02/14/2010  BBSP had a visit from Doris Mager of S.O.A.R. (Save Our American Raptors). Her purpose is to give these programs to expose people first-hand to these magnificent creatures. It is always a 
pleasure and a great thrill to see her program. It was also great to talk to her again (and I got hugged!). And, of course, my big thrill was being able to have Cara the Crested Caracara fly to me. I love that bird!
  The programs were held inside this year, so her birds could fly in safety.

It is illegal to posses any raptors (or any parts of raptors--including feathers) without lots of permits and permissions. Doris has these permits to allow her to have these birds.  The birds Doris has cannot ever 
be released--for various physiological or behavioral reasons. They have come into her possession because of misadventures in the birds' lives--from being stolen from a nest and imprinted, to being injured by
cars or gunfire. The birds have been with her for years, and have been shown to, and handled by, hundreds--if not thousands--of people. The birds would not be demonstrated in the manner that they are if they
were in danger of harm, or if there was great risk to anyone.  So, keep that in mind when watching any of her programs, or looking at my videos and photos.

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                DORIS MAGER                                                         E.T. FLIES IN THE DINING HALL!       video clip shot at high speed (wmv 3.0 mb)
Above left, Doris Mager talking about talons. During the program, E.T. the Great Horned Owl flew to his perch. I shot this video from inside the kitchen. The lighting in the Dining Hall is really difficult, with electric
lights and brightness coming from the windows. So, I had to do what I could with it. Here it is, shot at 210 fps. Although the Owl flying is wonderful, the expressions of wonder in the audience are great, too! The
second image above is a frame from the video.

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                         CARA LANDS ON MY ARM                      TURNING TOWARDS THE CAMERA                      SCRATCHING CARA'S HEAD   
                              video clip shot at high speed (wmv 18.5 mb)
The images above are from another video shot with my camera, after I set it up and gave it to David. (Thanks David!)
Cara flew a bit prematurely (I hadn't called her yet). She flew a bit high, and I figured she needed a destination fast--so I called her as she flew, slapped the gauntlet, and raised my arm. I knew the arm was not 
horizontal, but I wanted her attention. When she landed, I quickly adjusted the position of my arm *with* her weight when she landed, and---well, the video shows that it worked. I called her as I had learned, and 
raised my arm. It is supposed to be held horizontal, but I raised it higher, and called her attention to it. She landed on it, and I was able to shift body and arm position to keep her weight and balance stable. Her
smooth turn along with mine in the video shows this. It all happened in seconds.  I know she likes her head being scratched. Even so, in the video you can see how I paused slightly (longer in slow motion (00:49))
as I brought my free hand towards her to judge her reaction. When I saw her allow the hand, I scratched her head. I turned and realized my arm might block her from view of the audience, so I moved my hand away.
While I looked to see where the cameras were so I could turn her to best exposure, I noted her movement from the corner of my eye, and focused on her again (1:55 -1:59). I noted her presenting the top of her 
head, once again paused to see reaction to my hand (this time she actually pulled at it with her beak :-)) and I scratched her some more. I couldn't resist. My huge grin came directly from the feeling the brief 
communication with this magnificent bird gave me. After all, she flew to me, and then she invited me to touch her. Would I do anything like this with a wild raptor? Of course not.

02/08/2009--
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-------------------------                              RICKUBISCAM 02/08/09
I had no luck spotting any Otters. However, we were also visited again by Doris Mager, the Eagle Lady, that weekend. I sat in on(and helped a little with) her program.  I shot pictures of ET the Great Horned Owl 
(ET for Extra Terrific); and Cara, the Crested Caracara (see the two pictures below). And, I got to handle the Caracara again! How cool is THAT?! One of the park volunteers followed my directions, and with my 
camera, took some video footage while I had the bird. (thanks Diane).  To see the edited video, click  here (wmv 11.6 mb).   The old RICKUBISCAM shot above is a frame grab from the video. I've mentioned Doris
before on my pages. To see some pictures and/or videos of my previous mettings with her traveling companions, look further down on this page. Being able to talke to Doris and being close to the birds helped take
the sting out of missing the cool Otter sighting.
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                                          ET the Great Horned Owl!                                                                Cara the Crested Caracara

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                                                 RICK AND CARACARA 02/10/08                                            RICK AND GREAT HORNED OWL 02/10/08
                                Rick and Caracara clip (wmv 1.6 mb)                                             Rick and Owl clip (wmv 5.9 mb)

02/11/2007---This weekend BBSP was visited by Doris Mager, founder of S.O.A.R. (Save Our American Raptors). She brought 3 live raptors with her; a Great Horned Owl, an American Kestrel, and a Crested Caracara.
The image below right shows me with the Crested Caracara. Live! On my arm! Ever since I saw my first wild Caracaras a few years ago, I've wanted to get a closer look at one, but haven't been able to. I've seen them on
Galveston Island, in fields on the way to Brazos Bend State Park (BBSP), and even northeast of Houston.
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-----                  --DORIS IN FRONT, ME IN BACK ----                ------------------- RICK AND KESTREL-------------                      ---------------- RICK AND CARACARA
------------------------------------------------------------------VIDEO CLIP (3108 KB WMV)
I also got to "demonstrate" the American Kestrel while Doris talked about it (see DORIS IN FRONT, and RICK AND KESTREL, above; both images from the video clip). (By the way, watch the video clip linked above,
and you'll see and hear Doris.) But, this or the Owl didn't compare, in my eyes, to being able to be so close to the Caracara.  Not only could I see it up close, but I got to call it to me, and scratch its head. It was SO 
COOL!  The images below are frames from a video clip that was shot by Chuck  with my camera. Thanks, Chuck!  By the way, we all had our caps backwards during the program because the Owl didn't like the bills pointed
towards it.
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-----VIDEO CLIP (779 KB WMV)-----VIDEO CLIP slow motion no sound (2,550 KB WMV) 

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According to my Sibley's Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America, on page 112, the Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) is about 23 inches long, has a wingspan of 49 inches, and weighs 2.2 lb.
It feeds mostly on carrion, but will take small reptiles and mammals. It searches for food by flying low early in the day to find carrion before the vultures are flying.  I've seen other articles on the internet that 
refer to the Crested Caracara as "Polyborus plancus", while my copy of The Encyclopedia of North American Birds calls it "Caracara plancus".  This bird is also called the "Mexican Eagle" and appears on
the flag of Mexico. It was so great for Doris to pay us a visit!  It's very important to remember that these birds are not able to be released into the wild ever again, because they would not survive. This was
because of direct human intervention into their lives.  Although their situation is not the best, they can at least be used to educate people about the problems our mighty raptors have to face.  It would be a
terrible, terrible waste to lose any of these birds. Doris is a very unique individual, and at over 80 years old, is quite amazing in her own right.  To see more about Doris, you can go here, here, and here. 
Doris gave programs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I went to the last one on Sunday, and I'm so glad I did.

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     CRESTED CARACARA                   WHAT'S IT EATING?           I'M EATING! GET LOST.
On the way to the park this morning, I saw this Crested Caracara eating in one of the fields along FM762.  Although I'm not a birder, I can't help but admire the beauty of raptors, and raptor-like birds.  Seeing
one of these fine animals close enough to take *any* kind of picture is a treat.  I'd gone past it, and decided to turn around to get a better look. Since I remained in the car, so I wouldn't scare it off, I was in an
awkward position for taking pictures. It appeared to be eating something larger than a mouse, that appeared stiff on the outside (perhaps a turtle or small armadillo?). See the three pictures CRESTED 
CARACARA, WHAT'S IT EATING?, and I'M EATING, above. I also have a short video clip (somewhat shaky because I was in the car and without tripod). Click the link to see it. (cara1.flv 1160 kb),

Brazos Bend State Park Volunteer's Page  The volunteer's main page.
 

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