Falcons and Caracaras (4)

Photo: L Cooper

Crested Carcara *
An uncommon resident of extreme southeastern Polk. They are found in cattle pastures and at roadkills, sometimes in small groups. The LWCBC high count of 2 was in 1997. (T)

American Kestrel *
A common winter visitor and resident that breeds in small numbers along the Lake Wales Ridge. In the winter 20 or more can be found in a day, but they are tough to find during the summer. The LWCBC of 116 was in 2000; the LCBC 83 in was 1965. Local sub-species (T)

Merlin
A rare winter visitor with a few sightings every year or so. The LCBC high count of 2 was in 1986 and 2004.

Peregrine Falcon
A formerly rare winter visitor that is becoming more common in recent years. This falcon haunts the shorebird and duck concentrations in the phosphate mines looking for a meal. One bird spent November through March perched in the same tree in Bradley Junction in 1999. The LCBC high count of 2 was in 1998. (E)

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