Swallow-tailed Kites!

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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.

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!

  1. 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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