Chasing down a rare bird takes birdwatching to a whole new level. While birding at the Salton Sea another group of dedicated birders called our leader to let us know that a bird usually found only in Mexico, Arizona, Texas and southern Florida was seen in an agricultural field in Imperial County close to the Salton Sea.
We drove miles through the countryside until we reached the endless fields of green where the bird of prey was reported. The dirt clouds billowed covering the cars in brown as we drove down the sandy roads surrounding the agricultural fields. When we reached our destination, the Crested Caracara did not come into full view immediately because of the rival Turkey Vultures. Patience is a virtue in birding. Finally, the vultures lost interest giving the Caracara a chance to perch and show himself. Fantastic!
