Falcons, Hawks, Kites, Eagles and Vultures

At the Weaver Ranch in far south Texas, I had plenty of good, close opportunities with the crested caracaras. It was quite a fun time with these charismatic falcons. Raymondville, Texas, J ...

2009-09-21T21:04:29Z

Stephen
At the Weaver Ranch in far south Texas, I had plenty of good, close opportunities with the crested caracaras. It was quite a fun time with these charismatic falcons. Raymondville, Texas, J ...

This is one of many nice perches that the crested caracaras gave me at the Weaver Ranch. Raymondville, Texas, June 2009

2009-09-21T21:04:29Z

Stephen
This is one of many nice perches that the crested caracaras gave me at the Weaver Ranch. Raymondville, Texas, June 2009

While this image makes it seem that this crested caracara is quite alone, it isn't. There were two juveniles and its mate nearby. Javelina Ranch, Peñitas, Texas, June 2009

2009-09-21T21:04:29Z

Stephen
While this image makes it seem that this crested caracara is quite alone, it isn't. There were two juveniles and its mate nearby. Javelina Ranch, Peñitas, Texas, June 2009

The crested caracaras wasted no time in visiting this blind at the Weaver Ranch in the Lower Rio Grande Valley the day I visited. As soon as the ranch owner left me at the blind, a pair app ...

2009-09-21T21:04:29Z

Stephen
The crested caracaras wasted no time in visiting this blind at the Weaver Ranch in the Lower Rio Grande Valley the day I visited. As soon as the ranch owner left me at the blind, a pair app ...

Looking down toward its mate, this crested caracara is either thinking of stealing the meat cubes that were left for them and that its mate now has or it is simply enjoying the beauty of the ...

2009-09-21T21:04:29Z

Stephen
Looking down toward its mate, this crested caracara is either thinking of stealing the meat cubes that were left for them and that its mate now has or it is simply enjoying the beauty of the ...

At the Javelina Ranch in the Lower Rio Grande Valley I was able to take quite a few pictures of a family of crested caracaras that were feeding at one of the ranch's blinds. Here a juvenile ...

2009-09-21T21:04:29Z

Stephen
At the Javelina Ranch in the Lower Rio Grande Valley I was able to take quite a few pictures of a family of crested caracaras that were feeding at one of the ranch's blinds. Here a juvenile ...

Juvenile crested caracara eating an early breakfast on the Javelina Ranch in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Peñitas, Texas, June 2009

2009-09-21T21:06:32Z

Stephen
Juvenile crested caracara eating an early breakfast on the Javelina Ranch in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Peñitas, Texas, June 2009

Juvenile Crested Caracara on its morning perch at the Javelina Ranch, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Peñitas, Texas, June 2009

2009-09-21T21:06:22Z

Stephen
Juvenile Crested Caracara on its morning perch at the Javelina Ranch, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Peñitas, Texas, June 2009

This pair was part of a family of four that I had the opportunity to photograph at the Javelina Ranch in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. In this photo, they both were perched closely to each o ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
This pair was part of a family of four that I had the opportunity to photograph at the Javelina Ranch in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. In this photo, they both were perched closely to each o ...

An early morning portrait from a compliant subject is always nice. Javelina Ranch, Peñitas, Texas, June 2009

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
An early morning portrait from a compliant subject is always nice. Javelina Ranch, Peñitas, Texas, June 2009

Checking out the surroundings, this adult crested caracara makes sure that everything is fine before jumping to the ground to feast on some raw chicken that was left to attract these falcons ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
Checking out the surroundings, this adult crested caracara makes sure that everything is fine before jumping to the ground to feast on some raw chicken that was left to attract these falcons ...

Early morning perch from a Crested Caracara from the Javelina Ranch. Peñitas, Texas, June 2009

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
Early morning perch from a Crested Caracara from the Javelina Ranch. Peñitas, Texas, June 2009

Early in the morning, this crested caracara came to investigate what meat might be available at the raptor blind on the Javelina Ranch. Peñitas, Texas, June 2009

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
Early in the morning, this crested caracara came to investigate what meat might be available at the raptor blind on the Javelina Ranch. Peñitas, Texas, June 2009

Adult and Juvenile perched closely together. The whole family, a group of four, had come to this area to dine on the raw chicken left for them at the Javelina Ranch raptor blind. Peñitas ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
Adult and Juvenile perched closely together. The whole family, a group of four, had come to this area to dine on the raw chicken left for them at the Javelina Ranch raptor blind. Peñitas ...

After spending the early morning at the raptor blind on the Weaver Ranch, Kent Weaver, the owner of the ranch drove me around his place in his truck where we happened upon this pair of crest ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
After spending the early morning at the raptor blind on the Weaver Ranch, Kent Weaver, the owner of the ranch drove me around his place in his truck where we happened upon this pair of crest ...

I photographed this crested caracara just as it was landing on its favored perch. Over a bit of time at this particular spot at the Javelina Ranch, I noticed that the family of caracaras th ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
I photographed this crested caracara just as it was landing on its favored perch. Over a bit of time at this particular spot at the Javelina Ranch, I noticed that the family of caracaras th ...

I caught this adult walking along ground as crested caracara will typically do acting almost vulture-like even though they are falcons. Javelina Ranch, Peñitas, Texas, June 2009

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
I caught this adult walking along ground as crested caracara will typically do acting almost vulture-like even though they are falcons. Javelina Ranch, Peñitas, Texas, June 2009

Stephen's photo

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen

Here is another one of my HW 77 King Ranch crested caracaras. My family makes a trip to South Padre Island every June and every June in roughly the same area of HW 77 between Norias, Texas ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
Here is another one of my HW 77 King Ranch crested caracaras. My family makes a trip to South Padre Island every June and every June in roughly the same area of HW 77 between Norias, Texas ...

This particular perch was located clear on the other side of the large median on HW 77. This Crested Caracara was on the southbound side. I didn't want to take a chance and miss this oppor ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
This particular perch was located clear on the other side of the large median on HW 77. This Crested Caracara was on the southbound side. I didn't want to take a chance and miss this oppor ...

Still working my way closer to the crested caracara in the median on HW 77 just south of Norias, Texas, June 2008. This was about as close as I was going to get.

2009-11-12T16:24:27Z

Stephen
Still working my way closer to the crested caracara in the median on HW 77 just south of Norias, Texas, June 2008. This was about as close as I was going to get.

Near Laguna Vista, Texas, I ran across this crested caracara perched on an old fence post. I got out of my vehicle and tried to approach closer. It allowed me to get rather close before mov ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
Near Laguna Vista, Texas, I ran across this crested caracara perched on an old fence post. I got out of my vehicle and tried to approach closer. It allowed me to get rather close before mov ...

I think I approached just a bit too much. This Crested Caracara takes flight. Near Laguna Vista, Texas, June 2008

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
I think I approached just a bit too much. This Crested Caracara takes flight. Near Laguna Vista, Texas, June 2008

One of my favorite areas of Texas to visit for birding is the Rockport-Fulton, Texas area on the Texas Central Coast. While passing by the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge on my way to Rock ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
One of my favorite areas of Texas to visit for birding is the Rockport-Fulton, Texas area on the Texas Central Coast. While passing by the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge on my way to Rock ...

Crested Caracara photographed on HW 77 just north of Raymondville, TX in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, June 2007.

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
Crested Caracara photographed on HW 77 just north of Raymondville, TX in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, June 2007.

This is how I usually find the crested caracaras. If they are not far away in a field, they are hidden in the branches. Very rarely do I get a clean perch of them. Near Norias, Texas, Jun ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
This is how I usually find the crested caracaras. If they are not far away in a field, they are hidden in the branches. Very rarely do I get a clean perch of them. Near Norias, Texas, Jun ...

I know. I know. Why am I posting this? Well, for one, I like the eye contact and the detail in the facial area. Plus, many times this is how I see Crested Caracaras. They are in trees und ...

2009-11-12T16:24:28Z

Stephen
I know. I know. Why am I posting this? Well, for one, I like the eye contact and the detail in the facial area. Plus, many times this is how I see Crested Caracaras. They are in trees und ...

This bald eagle is one of the captive eagles that the Dallas Zoo has. It is injured and will never fly again, but it seems happy enough with its mate. One of the aspects I most like about ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
This bald eagle is one of the captive eagles that the Dallas Zoo has. It is injured and will never fly again, but it seems happy enough with its mate. One of the aspects I most like about ...

Early in the morning, one of the bald eagles came out of the nest and perched about 40 yards away from the fence line. This image and the next five are the sequence of shots that were shot ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
Early in the morning, one of the bald eagles came out of the nest and perched about 40 yards away from the fence line. This image and the next five are the sequence of shots that were shot ...

This is the perch I received within about an hour of arriving in Llano, Texas to photograph these wintering eagles. It turns out that this was about as cooperative as they were going to be ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
This is the perch I received within about an hour of arriving in Llano, Texas to photograph these wintering eagles. It turns out that this was about as cooperative as they were going to be ...

Another perch of one of the bald eagles wintering outside of Llano, Texas. This was had given me a slightly different perch. December 30, 2007.

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
Another perch of one of the bald eagles wintering outside of Llano, Texas. This was had given me a slightly different perch. December 30, 2007.

This wintering Llano, Texas bald eagle is providing a nice perch early on a cool December morning, 2007.

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
This wintering Llano, Texas bald eagle is providing a nice perch early on a cool December morning, 2007.

The shadow here could not be in a worse place. Llano, Texas, December 30, 2007.

2009-11-12T16:24:41Z

Stephen
The shadow here could not be in a worse place. Llano, Texas, December 30, 2007.

Taking a look back, this bald eagle stayed put on this perch for a while before heading out on a late afternoon hunt. The afternoon light was harsh, but I like the way the head is turned an ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
Taking a look back, this bald eagle stayed put on this perch for a while before heading out on a late afternoon hunt. The afternoon light was harsh, but I like the way the head is turned an ...

One of the Llano bald eagles is patiently sitting on at least one egg while it waits for its mate to return from presumably hunting. I took this picture just the day began on a cool morning ...

2009-11-12T16:24:42Z

Stephen
One of the Llano bald eagles is patiently sitting on at least one egg while it waits for its mate to return from presumably hunting. I took this picture just the day began on a cool morning ...

Both bald eagles were arranging the nest, moving sticks and such and preparing for one of them to take the daytime duty of sitting on the egg or eggs inside the nest. This picture was taken ...

2009-11-12T16:24:42Z

Stephen
Both bald eagles were arranging the nest, moving sticks and such and preparing for one of them to take the daytime duty of sitting on the egg or eggs inside the nest. This picture was taken ...

The eagles took a few minutes to clean and rearrange sticks in the nest on this morning. If you look closely you can see that one of the eagles has a stick in its mouth trying to move it ar ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
The eagles took a few minutes to clean and rearrange sticks in the nest on this morning. If you look closely you can see that one of the eagles has a stick in its mouth trying to move it ar ...

The eagles are still tidying up the nest. You can plainly see how the one bald eagle in view has a hold of a rather large stick with its beak. Llano, Texas, December 30, 2007.

2009-11-12T16:24:42Z

Stephen
The eagles are still tidying up the nest. You can plainly see how the one bald eagle in view has a hold of a rather large stick with its beak. Llano, Texas, December 30, 2007.

One of the eagles preparing to leave for a day of hunting, Llano, Texas, December 30, 2007.

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
One of the eagles preparing to leave for a day of hunting, Llano, Texas, December 30, 2007.

Wings spreading out, this eagle prepares to leap into flight, Llano, Texas, December 30, 2007.

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
Wings spreading out, this eagle prepares to leap into flight, Llano, Texas, December 30, 2007.

Leaping over the side, this bald eagle heads out for a day of hunting. Llano, Texas, December 30, 2007.

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
Leaping over the side, this bald eagle heads out for a day of hunting. Llano, Texas, December 30, 2007.

This is one of the perches the bald eagles gave me when I observed these bald eagles near Llano, Texas in January of 2007. It was a wickedly cold day with high winds, freezing rain and no l ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
This is one of the perches the bald eagles gave me when I observed these bald eagles near Llano, Texas in January of 2007. It was a wickedly cold day with high winds, freezing rain and no l ...

I would love to see one of these eagles in the wild, but for now the Dallas Zoo will suffice. Dallas, Texas, August 2008

2009-11-12T16:24:02Z

Stephen
I would love to see one of these eagles in the wild, but for now the Dallas Zoo will suffice. Dallas, Texas, August 2008

This captive African Fish Eagle is from the Birds of the Wild show at the State Fair of Texas. African Fish Eagles on average live about 20 years in the wild. Victoria is now 48 years old ...

2009-11-12T16:24:21Z

Stephen
This captive African Fish Eagle is from the Birds of the Wild show at the State Fair of Texas. African Fish Eagles on average live about 20 years in the wild. Victoria is now 48 years old ...

What impresses me the most about this Harpy Eagle are the talons. They seem larger than what I would expect for a bird of this size. I would hate to be on the receiving end of these. Dall ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
What impresses me the most about this Harpy Eagle are the talons. They seem larger than what I would expect for a bird of this size. I would hate to be on the receiving end of these. Dall ...

This is a rescued white tailed hawk that lives at the Texas State Aquarium. Unfortunately, its injuries were such that it will never be released again to the wild but it is well cared for a ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
This is a rescued white tailed hawk that lives at the Texas State Aquarium. Unfortunately, its injuries were such that it will never be released again to the wild but it is well cared for a ...

I seem to only find white tailed hawks when the weather is cloudy. I spied this one perched calmly on this old fence post. I so wished I could have gently reached out to pull down those ta ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
I seem to only find white tailed hawks when the weather is cloudy. I spied this one perched calmly on this old fence post. I so wished I could have gently reached out to pull down those ta ...

Stephen's photo

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen

This white tailed hawk could only stand exactly five or six shutter clicks before it had enough. The White Tailed Hawk is an uncommon species for North America. Far southern Texas and the ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
This white tailed hawk could only stand exactly five or six shutter clicks before it had enough. The White Tailed Hawk is an uncommon species for North America. Far southern Texas and the ...

Taking off to points unknown, this white tailed hawk thought that I had encroach just a bit too close. This species is uncommon in North America and in fact only locally common in the Texas ...

2009-09-21T21:04:30Z

Stephen
Taking off to points unknown, this white tailed hawk thought that I had encroach just a bit too close. This species is uncommon in North America and in fact only locally common in the Texas ...

When I travel between Brownsville and South Padre Island on HW 48, I am also assured to see at least one Harris's Hawk, usually two as they like to be in pairs. This one gave me a very nice ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
When I travel between Brownsville and South Padre Island on HW 48, I am also assured to see at least one Harris's Hawk, usually two as they like to be in pairs. This one gave me a very nice ...

This is one of a pair of Harris's Hawks that basically stayed in some trees just to the left of the blind where I was photographing on the Weaver Ranch. I really shouldn't say "just" to the ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
This is one of a pair of Harris's Hawks that basically stayed in some trees just to the left of the blind where I was photographing on the Weaver Ranch. I really shouldn't say "just" to the ...

With slightly ruffled feathers....Weaver Ranch, Raymondville, Texas, June 2009

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
With slightly ruffled feathers....Weaver Ranch, Raymondville, Texas, June 2009

I have never understood why hawks and falcons let these little guys bother them. This mockingbird was swooping in and hitting this Harris's Hawk, but the hawk paid it no attention. I guess ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
I have never understood why hawks and falcons let these little guys bother them. This mockingbird was swooping in and hitting this Harris's Hawk, but the hawk paid it no attention. I guess ...

A slight ruffle of feathers is all I got from this Harris's hawk as it stood vigil looking out over a pasture on the Weaver Ranch. It did not move from this perch atop a honey mesquite tree ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
A slight ruffle of feathers is all I got from this Harris's hawk as it stood vigil looking out over a pasture on the Weaver Ranch. It did not move from this perch atop a honey mesquite tree ...

I actually took this image of a Harris's hawk as I walked around near the blind where I was photographing mainly crested caracaras. I spied this harris's hawk, which is actually the mate of ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
I actually took this image of a Harris's hawk as I walked around near the blind where I was photographing mainly crested caracaras. I spied this harris's hawk, which is actually the mate of ...

This is about as good of an image that I was able to obtain showing most of the body of this Harris's Hawk. I believe this is the male as the female, a much larger Harris's Hawk was another ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
This is about as good of an image that I was able to obtain showing most of the body of this Harris's Hawk. I believe this is the male as the female, a much larger Harris's Hawk was another ...

While traveling to Brownsville from South Padre Island, my wife noticed this Harris's Hawk just off the side of the road perched on top of some scrub brush. I took this picture from the pas ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
While traveling to Brownsville from South Padre Island, my wife noticed this Harris's Hawk just off the side of the road perched on top of some scrub brush. I took this picture from the pas ...

This is fledgling Harris's Hawk that I found in a nest on top of a yucca plant of off Highway 48 in between South Padre Island and Brownsville, Texas. You can actually see to the right of t ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
This is fledgling Harris's Hawk that I found in a nest on top of a yucca plant of off Highway 48 in between South Padre Island and Brownsville, Texas. You can actually see to the right of t ...

Harris's Hawk on utility line photographed on HW 100 just north of Port Isabel in the small town of Laguna Vista, TX. This is a typical perch for these suburban Harris's Hawks. The high pe ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
Harris's Hawk on utility line photographed on HW 100 just north of Port Isabel in the small town of Laguna Vista, TX. This is a typical perch for these suburban Harris's Hawks. The high pe ...

This Harris's Hawk actually was not what I was wanting to photograph. I was trying to photograph a yellow-billed cuckoo, but it became quite startled. When I looked up, I saw the Harris's ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
This Harris's Hawk actually was not what I was wanting to photograph. I was trying to photograph a yellow-billed cuckoo, but it became quite startled. When I looked up, I saw the Harris's ...

It is always nice when you know that your children are actually paying attention to you. I have been watching these Mississippi Kites since they arrived at the end of the April. My kids ha ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
It is always nice when you know that your children are actually paying attention to you. I have been watching these Mississippi Kites since they arrived at the end of the April. My kids ha ...

I do not like all the branches in the way, but I do like the eye contact. It had just perched in this tree after leaving this same spot to catch an insect on the ground about 5 feet in fron ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
I do not like all the branches in the way, but I do like the eye contact. It had just perched in this tree after leaving this same spot to catch an insect on the ground about 5 feet in fron ...

Here is a relatively clean shot of a Mississippi Kite that my son had first noticed and that I followed on foot to this perch. It left the perch twice picking up some prey off of the ground ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
Here is a relatively clean shot of a Mississippi Kite that my son had first noticed and that I followed on foot to this perch. It left the perch twice picking up some prey off of the ground ...

I just love the fact that there are several nesting pairs of Mississippi Kites that have chosen an area of my hometown to which they return each summer. This is one sub-adult I believe that ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
I just love the fact that there are several nesting pairs of Mississippi Kites that have chosen an area of my hometown to which they return each summer. This is one sub-adult I believe that ...

In this photograph, the Mississippi Kite turned its head so that the kite's eye caught enough of the sunlight to make its wonderfully red eye shine a bit. Midlothian, Texas, May 2008.

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
In this photograph, the Mississippi Kite turned its head so that the kite's eye caught enough of the sunlight to make its wonderfully red eye shine a bit. Midlothian, Texas, May 2008.

I noticed this Mississippi Kite perched nicely in a small tree. It looks like a sub-adult. It appears to be ruffling its feathers in a light breeze. Midlothian, Texas, May 2008.

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
I noticed this Mississippi Kite perched nicely in a small tree. It looks like a sub-adult. It appears to be ruffling its feathers in a light breeze. Midlothian, Texas, May 2008.

It was cloudy and had been raining most of this day, but when I saw this Mississippi Kite perched low on a branch, I didn't want to pass up this opportunity to photograph it. Midlothian, Te ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
It was cloudy and had been raining most of this day, but when I saw this Mississippi Kite perched low on a branch, I didn't want to pass up this opportunity to photograph it. Midlothian, Te ...

No flash, little light, but I did not want to pass up on this nice image of a Mississippi Kite. I believe this is a sub-adult as it does not have the striking white plumage just yet, but fr ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
No flash, little light, but I did not want to pass up on this nice image of a Mississippi Kite. I believe this is a sub-adult as it does not have the striking white plumage just yet, but fr ...

This Mississippi Kite allowed me to get very close. It had just been feeding on some insects that it had just picked up off the ground and had eaten in the air. It then returned to this pe ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
This Mississippi Kite allowed me to get very close. It had just been feeding on some insects that it had just picked up off the ground and had eaten in the air. It then returned to this pe ...

Getting some sun to heat up? Drying out wings or just stretching? I am not sure what this Mississippi Kite was doing. It had just finished swooping down getting some insects on the ground. ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
Getting some sun to heat up? Drying out wings or just stretching? I am not sure what this Mississippi Kite was doing. It had just finished swooping down getting some insects on the ground. ...

This is simply a front view of a Mississippi Kite sunbathing on a warm Sunday morning in May 2008, Midlothian, Texas.

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
This is simply a front view of a Mississippi Kite sunbathing on a warm Sunday morning in May 2008, Midlothian, Texas.

Stephen's photo

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen

Stephen's photo

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen

This Mississippi Kite perched at the top of a juniper tree and then quickly flew away when it found some juicy dragonflies or cicadas on which to feast. Midlothian, Texas, August 2008

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
This Mississippi Kite perched at the top of a juniper tree and then quickly flew away when it found some juicy dragonflies or cicadas on which to feast. Midlothian, Texas, August 2008

I found this Mississippi Kite perched ruffling its feathers and doing a bit of preening before taking off in search of more insects to eat. Midlothian, Texas, August 2007.

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
I found this Mississippi Kite perched ruffling its feathers and doing a bit of preening before taking off in search of more insects to eat. Midlothian, Texas, August 2007.

I caught this mississippi kite pausing after hunting insects on the fly in Midlothian, Texas, August 2007.

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
I caught this mississippi kite pausing after hunting insects on the fly in Midlothian, Texas, August 2007.

Doing a little ruffling and preening of feathers, this mississipi kite takes a rest from hunting insects. August 2007, Midlothian, Texas.

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
Doing a little ruffling and preening of feathers, this mississipi kite takes a rest from hunting insects. August 2007, Midlothian, Texas.

I have noticed that the mississippi kites like to perch in this certain tree which is relatively low to the ground instead of perching high in their huge nesting trees or on the utility line ...

2009-11-12T16:24:29Z

Stephen
I have noticed that the mississippi kites like to perch in this certain tree which is relatively low to the ground instead of perching high in their huge nesting trees or on the utility line ...

This Mississippi Kite was perched in a juniper tree as I went to work early in the morning in August 2007. Midlothian, Texas.

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
This Mississippi Kite was perched in a juniper tree as I went to work early in the morning in August 2007. Midlothian, Texas.

I found this mississippi kite in an area where I usually do not find them. This looks like a first year adult and I am hoping it is going to establish itself in this area along with a mate ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
I found this mississippi kite in an area where I usually do not find them. This looks like a first year adult and I am hoping it is going to establish itself in this area along with a mate ...

Got an itch; have to scratch. Midlothian, Texas, May 2008

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
Got an itch; have to scratch. Midlothian, Texas, May 2008

What do you get when it is freezing, sleet is falling mixed with snow, and the sun is no where to be seen? You get this. When I visited these eagles outside of Llano, Texas in January of 2 ...

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
What do you get when it is freezing, sleet is falling mixed with snow, and the sun is no where to be seen? You get this. When I visited these eagles outside of Llano, Texas in January of 2 ...

Bald Eagle nest located on Highway 29 in a large pecan tree just outside of Llano, Texas. The weather was horrific. It was sleeting. The wind was howling. There was freezing rain and no ...

2009-11-12T16:25:10Z

Stephen
Bald Eagle nest located on Highway 29 in a large pecan tree just outside of Llano, Texas. The weather was horrific. It was sleeting. The wind was howling. There was freezing rain and no ...

This one eagle seems to be checking in on the eaglet that had recently hatched. This picture was photographed outside of Llano, Texas on January 13, 2007.

2009-09-21T21:04:31Z

Stephen
This one eagle seems to be checking in on the eaglet that had recently hatched. This picture was photographed outside of Llano, Texas on January 13, 2007.

This bald eagle is getting ready to step into its nest to undoubtedly warm up the recently hatched eaglet. This was shot on a cold, rainy day in January 2007 near Llano, Texas.

2009-10-07T02:28:53Z

Stephen
This bald eagle is getting ready to step into its nest to undoubtedly warm up the recently hatched eaglet. This was shot on a cold, rainy day in January 2007 near Llano, Texas.

Wide view of the eagles' nest in Llano, Texas, January, 2007.

2009-09-21T21:04:34Z

Stephen
Wide view of the eagles' nest in Llano, Texas, January, 2007.

I caught this osprey with a fish in its talons just has it took off from a post serving as a perch in Aransas Bay. Rockport, Texas, January 2009

2009-09-21T21:04:34Z

Stephen
I caught this osprey with a fish in its talons just has it took off from a post serving as a perch in Aransas Bay. Rockport, Texas, January 2009

I got lucky while chasing this osprey. It had flown from a post in the Aransas Bay. The boat operator headed straight for the osprey as it flew away. I was at the front of the boat taking ...

2009-09-21T21:04:34Z

Stephen
I got lucky while chasing this osprey. It had flown from a post in the Aransas Bay. The boat operator headed straight for the osprey as it flew away. I was at the front of the boat taking ...

This is the last in a sequence of pictures I took of this osprey as it left its perch in the Aransas Bay area. Near Rockport, Texas, January 2009

2009-09-21T21:04:34Z

Stephen
This is the last in a sequence of pictures I took of this osprey as it left its perch in the Aransas Bay area. Near Rockport, Texas, January 2009

Osprey perched in a small cove at Richland Chambers Reservoir near Corsicana, Texas, September, 2007. I took this shot from a kayak. It had been rainy and overcast so the light is a bit wa ...

2009-09-21T21:04:34Z

Stephen
Osprey perched in a small cove at Richland Chambers Reservoir near Corsicana, Texas, September, 2007. I took this shot from a kayak. It had been rainy and overcast so the light is a bit wa ...

This osprey quickly took off from its perch and began to fly towards me in the kayak, Richland Chambers Reservoir, Eureka, Texas, September 2007.

2009-09-21T21:04:34Z

Stephen
This osprey quickly took off from its perch and began to fly towards me in the kayak, Richland Chambers Reservoir, Eureka, Texas, September 2007.

This is the closest pass of the osprey going by me in the kayak. I was lucky to be able to track it. Richland Chambers Reservoir near Corsicana, Texas, September, 2007.

2009-09-21T21:04:34Z

Stephen
This is the closest pass of the osprey going by me in the kayak. I was lucky to be able to track it. Richland Chambers Reservoir near Corsicana, Texas, September, 2007.

On HW 48 near Bahia Grande I noticed this Osprey perching on a pole looking out over the water. Brownsville, Texas, June 2008

2009-09-21T21:04:34Z

Stephen
On HW 48 near Bahia Grande I noticed this Osprey perching on a pole looking out over the water. Brownsville, Texas, June 2008

I do not like the perch, but it is a very handsome juvenile Mississippi Kite, Midlothian, Texas, August 2007.

2009-09-21T21:04:34Z

Stephen
I do not like the perch, but it is a very handsome juvenile Mississippi Kite, Midlothian, Texas, August 2007.

It was noon. The light was harsh and directly above, but I did not want to pass on the opportunity to document five mississippi kites perched in a tree. These kites are basically yard bird ...

2009-09-21T21:04:34Z

Stephen
It was noon. The light was harsh and directly above, but I did not want to pass on the opportunity to document five mississippi kites perched in a tree. These kites are basically yard bird ...

Well, I was outside this drizzly morning trying to get some images of the ruby throated hummingbirds coming through on migration when I noticed some small bird action near my feeders. I went ...

2009-11-12T16:24:07Z

Stephen
Well, I was outside this drizzly morning trying to get some images of the ruby throated hummingbirds coming through on migration when I noticed some small bird action near my feeders. I went ...

Well, I was outside this drizzly morning trying to get some images of the ruby throated hummingbirds coming through on migration when I noticed some small bird action near my feeders. I went ...

2009-09-21T21:04:34Z

Cooper's Hawk perched in a thicket of trees looking for next meal. Midlothian, Texas, January 2008.

2009-11-12T16:24:41Z

Stephen
Cooper's Hawk perched in a thicket of trees looking for next meal. Midlothian, Texas, January 2008.

I have seen this Cooper's Hawk off and on for the past year or so in this same general vicinity. I have seen it swoop down and catch small rodents, attempt to catch squirrels, but today it ...

2009-09-21T21:04:34Z

Stephen
I have seen this Cooper's Hawk off and on for the past year or so in this same general vicinity. I have seen it swoop down and catch small rodents, attempt to catch squirrels, but today it ...