Jetty Sutton and Shirley Hays thought (hoped?) they spotted young adult bald eagles around Kyle. More likely, they saw Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway), commonly referred to as “Mexican Eagles,” as seen in the above photo taken by Hays Free Press publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton. Their preferred habitat is open, lowland countryside, like pastures, savannas, river edges, and ranches. Still, they are young birds, evidenced by their pink facial skin, dull colored legs, brown backs and more streaks on the breast than adults. The Crested Caracara is a member of the falcon family found most often in Texas, Florida and Arizona as well as Central and South America. It is believed that this bird is depicted on the original national emblem and flag of Mexico.
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