Yellow-Headed Caracara, Costa RicaThe yellow-headed caracara is a clever and opportunistic bird of prey found throughout Central and South America. Unlike many raptors, it’s often seen walking on the ground or perched on cattle, where it picks off ticks and insects, earning it a bit of a reputation as nature’s janitor. It’s also known to scavenge and even steal food from other animals, making it one of the more adaptable and resourceful birds in its range. Every day while we were in Costa Rica, this guy would come and sit on the railing of our deck, affording me very close up portraits. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1000, f/5.6 at 1/500th of a second.