This morning I got a wild hair and drove to Lacassine Wildlife Refuge, 2-1/2 hours southwest. It was a beautiful day and the place had been on my bucket list all year. The year is nearly over, as well as this project, so I thought 'Why not?'

As I neared the refuge I saw a strange bird I had never seen before in some tall grass just off the road. I took some shots from the car window, and since that didn't seem to scare him off, I crept out as stealthily as possible to get closer. Well, that was the wrong move! Buh-bye Crested Caracara. Out of 10 snaps, this is the best of the bunch. Hot dog, I have a new bird to add to my bird list!

I will definitely make a trip back to Lacassine. I saw hundreds if not thousands of ducks. When they'd all take flight at once it took my breath away. God's creation in action is medicine for the soul.

364/366Crested Caracara
400mm | f/5.6 | ISO 320 | 1/1600 sec