CLOSED: Bird of Prey in San Antonio

I'm visiting in San Antonio at the moment. Yesterday we were driving along a country road about 25 miles SOUTH of San Antonio and saw this bird of prey. None of us recognized it. Anyone have any idea who this is? I have several photos I'll post. The camera was zoomed as close as I could get. There were actually at least 2 of these in this area.

Edited to say: I thought I'd added the photo, but must have hit cancel. Look at next post for photo.

This message was edited Apr 4, 2010 7:56 AM

Trying to add the photo again

Adding another

That's a Crested Caracara.

Oh Janet, You are so lucky! I would love to see a Crested Caracara!!

I was just "googling" and found out the same thing. I was coming back to post the answer.

I felt lucky seeing him there in the field. I think he had something to eat and that's why he stood there so long for me to get his photo. I could see 2 of them when he flew over about 25 yards. But he was even further from me so I couldn't get any better photos.

In addition to that, the tree I was standing under, there was a little bird that was speaking to me, in a voice I hadn't heard. I looked up and he flew up a bit higher, and I saw his tail was split. He had a yellowish head. And when I aimed the camera upward, all I got was a bright reflection of the sun, so didn't get any of that little fella.

None of us knew what the big bird was, but am glad to know that you all knew and I knew you'd respond as you did.

Thanks!

Janet