I’ve been after a good Swallow-tailed Kite picture all summer. This weekend I was supposed to go to the Hernando County location where the kites are feeding on a field overrun with grasshoppers. But that opportunity didn’t work out, and I was a little disappointed. Then I was working in the backyard this afternoon, doing weeding and dripping with sweat, when I looked up and saw a Swallow-tailed Kite dipping low right over my head! Fortunately my husband is the forgiving kind who tolerates his wife banging on the window during the World Cup soccer finals — “Can you please bring the camera to the door? Hurry! Kites!!” It took me a minute to relocate the kite, who actually turned out to be one of four who were flying in circles overhead. Their calls were fun to listen to as I tried to focus on the birds flying through the overcast sky. I did end up with a couple of decent shots, and this was my favorite.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.blog.catandturtle.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Swallowtail-Kite_Backyard_20110717_1.jpg?resize=500%2C0)
Now if only the Mississippi Kites and the Snail Kite from Hernando would come fly over my yard as well! Just give me a five-minute warning… :)
One thought on “Swallow-tailed Kites!”
Great shot! Even better that you took it in your backyard. I headed up to Hernando county this past Saturday. The swallow tails were there but they were far away in a big pasture so it was hard to get good pictures. Occasionally one would fly over the road. I didn’t see any Miss. or snails. I spoke to a couple up there who had been up there several times looking for them and hadn’t seen them. I think your day was more productive.
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