July Weeding Brings a Surprise

A few of us headed out to the banding site to do some of our Summertime weeding before the start of Session 7 in August. Tools and cameras in hand, Richard started near the table while Andrew and Christine head toward the far end of the net lanes. About halfway down, a peculiar chirping could be heard up ahead. Once at the snags by Net 8 the source was clear. A flock of Swallow-tailed Kites!

This is the same spot Richard and Christine found the seven Kites a couple of weeks ago. Moving to get the sunlight at their backs they counted to make sure there were still seven. There were...plus three! Ten Swallow-tailed Kites were adorning the branches in the morning Sun.



Now it was picture time for a while as we tried to see if we could tell the adults from the juveniles.



They were facing at all angles so we gathered as many shots as we could.



This Swallow-tailed Kite decided that sitting was better than perching upright.



This bird was pretty fluffy compared to most of the obvious adults and could be one of the younger birds.



This could be the other juvenile Swallow-tailed Kite and like the one above shows a tan belly and fluffier feathers.



But we were here to do some weeding so we had to enjoy our few minutes of awe and move along. While Christine weeded at this spot, Andrew headed down to Net 21, fearing the worst. As expected, the last net was blocked by choking vegetation as it gets in the Summer. It took over an hour to clear the once obvious path from Willows which were being weighed down by invasive Skunk Vine. Fortunately, the net area itself was fairly clear.



While clearing the net area, Andrew heard that chirping again and looked up. The Swallow-tailed Kite were circling just over head! Time to head back up the trail for the camera and try for flight shots.



Seven of the Kites were soaring high above while the remaining three stayed lower for some nice clear views.



One bird was even preening as it flew! A couple minutes later the birds chirped very loudly at one another and zoomed off to the East in search of food.



Susan had joined the weeding crew while that was happening and after another 45 minutes we decided we had done enough for this morning and packed up. Richard, Andrew, and Susan pose with some tools.



Richard and Christine were the next to pose before we left for our cars.



Andrew went over to the park side to try and find Ranger Frank to see about mowing soon. Then we could finish the remaining chores before the new Session began. However, Frank was not in today so a walk along the boardwalk was in order. Near the beginning of the boardwalk a caterpillar was strolling along. Could be a Yellow-necked Caterpillar? Hmmm....



There were not a lot of birds around today. Eventually, a Great Blue Heron came into view searching for food at the lake's edge.



Dragonflies darted back and forth just beyond the railings.



The Scarlet Rose Mallows, (Hibiscus coccineus), were blooming in their usual spot bringing a splash of color among the greens and browns.



Despite the lack of bird song, there were a few Northern Parula lurking deep in the foliage.



We will be back in a couple of weeks to finish our weeding and make sure things are in order for August. However, another trip to check on the Kite flock might have to go on the calendar.

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