Swallow-tailed Kite Flock

During our down time, Richard and Christine headed out to the site to water the native planting that were placed a couple of years ago. Soon, we will have to get back out to do some weeding before the August restart.



Once there, they looked up and noticed an amazing view.



I took a minute to circle them all. Seven Swallowed-tailed Kites had massed over the banding table. By the looks of them they are all adults, except for the ones with their backs to the camera. We know there were two juveniles hatched this year but we have only seen three other adults previously. So, could there be nine in the area?



This is the most Kites we have seen here over the years. A close-up shows some of the adults atop the snag.



We will see if we can get more shots once back out there. Swallow-tailed Kites stay until near Fall before heading off to South America through our Winter and Spring. A very exciting find!

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Next (planned) Banding Day: Sunday, August 3rd.
All nets will be opened by 6:20 A.M.