| Falcons and Caracaras (4)
Crested Carcara *
An uncommon resident of extreme eastern Polk. They are found in cattle
pastures and at roadkills, sometimes in small groups. LWCBC high count
of 2 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. LWCBC of 116 in 2000,
LCBC 83 in 1965. Local sub-species (T)
Merlin
A rare winter visitor with a few sightings every year or so. LCBC high
count of 2 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. LCBC high count of 2 in
1998. (E)
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