Saw a kite today

[RobertN]

I had the great opportunity to see a kite today, a Black-shouldered Kite(Elanus caerulus).

These are the coolest birds to watch! They can actually hover, kinda like a hummingbird, although they are much larger with a 39" wing span.

They are in other parts of the US also; anyone else seen any of these, or thier relatives?

 

[polecat]

Where are the action pics dude???? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[RobertN]

I was driving when I saw it... and all the camera's were at home put away /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif I know, I wish I could have got a few pictures /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[Hank]

Since moving to AZ, I have seen numerous types of hawks and even a Peregrine falcon. I knew the falcon by it color and distinctive hovering, but for the most part, I see the hawks while driving and have not readily identified most.

One day, though, there was a largish hawk sitting on our fence. I went out to try and get a picture, but it flew, and when it did, three others just like it flew from near-by perches. I watched them for a while....all four were hunting as a group! I kept seeing this group hunting, so it drove me to the Internet to try and identify them. Based on their size (40"-48" wingspan), markings (distinctive white on the underside), and group hunting behavior, this is the Harris' Hawk.

From what I read, it is the only species of hawk to hunt regularly as a pack, and they employ similar tactics as other pack hunting animals, like wolves. They'll send one bird in to flush the prey, or they'll group around and come in from different directions until the prey is disabled, or use a relay attack.

 

[DAP]

You are a lucky man. That fella is mostly a western species here in the states, prolly nil sitings here in the NE. I'd have to go west to add it to my list.

As for hovering, alot of other raptors hover, most notoriously are the Kestrels. I've even seen a Merlin hover too.

Nothing can outfly the hummingbirds though. They are tenacious, fearless and will go after anything during nesting.

 

[Chuck52]

Saw a scissor-tail kite on an estuary tour in Apalachicola, Florida just last Tuesday. Beautiful, graceful bird.

Chuck

 

[Slamfire]

My wife and kids had a name for the peregrine falcon that used to sit on the service pole watchin' the empty field next of our house in CA. Then they built a shoppin' center in it. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif There in rural Los Angeles County (sounds like an oxymoron don't it) red tails were the most common hawks. She worried they'd get her teacup chihuahuas.