LOOKING FOR PREY (OR A MATE)

When I stepped out my front door recently I spotted a strange sight on the roof of my neighbor's garage.

I recognized it's distinctive shape immediately and identified it as a roadrunner.

Rather surprisingly, it remained while I ran into the house and grabbed my camera.

Wikipedia tells me that roadrunners become inured to humans and this one certainly showed no fear as I edged closer and focused my zoom lens on it.

I'm not sure if it was warming itself in the sun or just on lookout for something to eat, or maybe a mate.

The Wikipedia article says the birds are monogamous and mate for life, usually remaining in their "territory" for a full year.

They are also known as chaparral birds or chaparral cocks.

Mexican Indians and American Indians consider it good luck to spot a roadrunner and since they eat a variety of bugs and snakes, including rattlesnakes, I consider it good luck to have them in the neighborhood.

Plus, they are quite a stunning specimen.

(And not once did it go "beep-beep".)