Sunny skies means thermalling raptors, and aside from the glittering prize of the Mississippi Kite, there were various other, somewhat more predictable birds of prey on offer on most days. The commonest were ubiquitous Turkey Vultures, followed by Red-Tailed, Red-shouldered and Broad-winged Hawks, and Bald Eagles (of course). Other, non-thermalling birds of prey included American Kestrels, Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks.
