Sunfish 33 Loc: Merritt Island, Fl

I was amazed to see this happen. The Caracara chased the buzzard out of the wooded area and over the wetlands. The Caracara then attacked the buzzard. Eventually the buzzard coughed up his meal. After that the fighting was over. The buzzard flew away and the Caracara flew to the ground to recover the food. It was only then that I realized there were two Caracaras. Each got a piece of the food and then flew back to the wooded area. You will notice that one Caracara has bands on his legs. This is one that had been released by the wildlife folks. I'm posting about 13 photos of this. Comments / critique appreciated.

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#4 buzzard drops food


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Cardinal Loc: Florida USA

great shots! You were lucky to be there at the right time! :thumbup:

Jim Carter Loc: Momence, Il.

Remarkable catch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GWR100 Loc: England

Interesting set. Very nice

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

Great shots and story! What is a Caracara, is that a type of a Hawk?

angler Loc: StHelens England

Amazing set Sunfish,i'm jealous.

Bubu Loc: Out of this solar system

Nice sequence !

Sunfish 33 Loc: Merritt Island, Fl

Thanks Cardinal! Yes I was lucky. I appreciate your comments.

Sunfish 33 Loc: Merritt Island, Fl

Thanks very much Jim!

Sunfish 33 Loc: Merritt Island, Fl

Thanks Geoff! I'm glad you like them.

Sunfish 33 Loc: Merritt Island, Fl

Thanks very much! It's a raptor in the Falcon family although it differs very much from most falcons. They are a threatened species...estimated only 250 pairs remaininig in Florida. It was the first time I have seen two together.

Sunfish 33 Loc: Merritt Island, Fl

Thanks very much angler! Not only was I surprised to encounter this, I'm amazed the photos turned out. When I realized what was going on I got excited and almost dropped the camera. :)

Sunfish 33 Loc: Merritt Island, Fl

Thanks very much Bubu!

gregoryd45 Loc: Fakahatchee Strand

Fantastic series, Sunfish 33, nice colors ans detail, thanks for posting these.

ftpecktim Loc: MONTANA

Why the Turkey Vulture Vomits

The turkey vulture has few natural predators. Interestingly, turkey vultures often vomit when approached or harassed by predators, or when handled by researchers. The birds do not "projectile vomit," as many would claim. But they do indeed vomit when stressed, and this behavior may well have evolved as a means for vultures gorging on a carcass to off-load some weight when predators approach and the vulture has eaten too much to fly. (You can imagine how vultures will want to eat as much as possible, given the unpredictable nature of their food source, while still maintaining flight capabilities.) When turkey vultures vomit they simply cough up a lump of meat that can be fresh (if the vulture just fed) or semi-digested and foul-smelling. Some believe this regurgitant may "gross out" would-be predators, but this may be an explanation based on human sensibilities. More often than not, the regurgitated food may in fact be eaten by the predator, which takes the free meal rather than continuing to pursue the vulture.
. Excellent shots.love that #4 one.Rare(to catch on camera)....Tim