ML619235400

Age

Not specified

Sex

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Observation details

Continuing. Arrived this morning to the vicinity of Popeye’s and the Halal meat & grocery market at 0810. I saw three birders in a group nearby scanning for the bird. As soon as I parked and stepped out one called, “There it is!” (I'd say that was pretty lucky timing, considering I had just driven up from San Diego.) There it was, flying right overhead, and then it landed on a nearby porch railing. It perched and preened, and then looked for a way into the Popeye’s dumpsters but was defeated by bars. It seemed hungry. It walked about on the ground outside the meat market picking at old asphalt meat stains. Gave a raspy call occasionally (will attach low-quality recordings.) When crows came near it was watchful, and when a crow circled back and showed interest in it, it immediately flew to a tree for cover. Healthy looking bird. No bands. Comfortable in an urban environment and was not afraid of people. I see its talons are dull. Would that be from walking on concrete and perching on other abrasive urban materials, of from being trimmed the way one can trim cat claws? Flush point was pretty close, but I doubt it could be approached close enough to possibly catch. Seven to eight happy birders present. One from Oklahoma, although not out here just for the caracara, he did take a break from an Arizona state birding tour and drove all the way from Yuma just to come to Lomita for it. Ph.

Technical information

Original file size

2.01 MB