Swallow Tailed Kite

Scoutboat

sparse grey

Nice going.

Scoutboat

Thanks, I think the Kite stole a fledgling blue jay and was eating it on the fly.
I have to give credit to a friend for this photo.
Jim

mindyabiness

I watched 4 of them today over an open field catching grasshoppers and eating them on the fly like the picture you posted shows. I made a decision not to take my camera out today. Some days it seems like too much to carry around. It was very hot where I was.
I was enjoying them eating the insects like we eat popcorn.

mississippi mac

great capture....

tim

Shandy G

I was playing golf in Bradenton and one flew over my head about 20 feet up for the entire hole. Of course I did not have my camera.

Flash

Very nice. Sure won't cry over the demise of a Blue Jay.

Scoutboat

My favorite raptor
Jim

estero

Very good. You don't see them perched very often.

Scoutboat

I've never seen one on the perch.
Still trying.
By the way, I've read that the Swallow Tail is the largest Kite.
I've seen Mississippi Kites that looked larger.
Jim

Chuckc

Just saw one on the way back from the store, never have my camera when they are around it seems.

mindyabiness

I was back in the large field today and tried to get some photo's of the kites, They were out in force, I saw up to 5 at one time but none would cooperate. I got some photos bu none that i care to share or are worthy of sharing
All things considered the picture above is an outstanding example based on my experience.
I noticed that the ones we see over here have less black area on the wings. They are mostly white with black only on the very edge of the wings. They also have symmetrical notches in the trailing edge of the wings that I don't see on the 2 pictured above

Flash

Scoutboat wrote: »

I've never seen one on the perch.
Still trying.
By the way, I've read that the Swallow Tail is the largest Kite.
I've seen Mississippi Kites that looked larger.
Jim

Someone on here had a shot of like a 1/2 dozen of them roosting in a tree. I have seen one and he was there for like 5 seconds.

Chuckc

I remember that shot, can't recall who posted it.

Scoutboat

Probably a family group.