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".)
