Thursday, March 14, 2013

Swallow-tail Kite

Swallow-tail Kite, Spring Hill Florida 03/13/13

"No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings."  ~William Blake

These are amazing birds.  Per my iBird South app they are considered the most adept and acrobatic flier of all the raptors (Audubon does not consider these birds raptors).  It also says that in some nests two eggs are laid but the first chick to hatch kills the younger chick.  Ornithologists refer to this as obligate siblicide.  I think that is sad but I understand it's the nature of these beautiful birds.  I wish I could have gotten a better photo and one of the face but it was flying high and I wasn't able to get in a good position due to trees.

Until next time...happy blogging.

~Cindy

24 comments:

  1. Fantastic shot of the bird in flight.

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    1. Thank you Rajesh. They are beautiful when flying.

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  2. One of the most beautifully-flying birds I have ever seen! We have them here in our field, and it is amazing to see them fly. Their agility has to be seen to be believed. I'm so glad you photographed this splendid bird!!
    Love,
    Jackie

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    1. Thanks Jackie. They are spectacular birds and I love seeing them fly. This is the first one here in Spring Hill that I've seen. Back in Wimauma I'd see them and one even swooped down and took some eggs from our tree. I missed my photo op when I first saw it yesterday by not paying attention. It was a lot lower in the sky and the photo would have been so much better.

      Love and hugs,
      Cindy

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  3. Wow, gorgeous shot! It is a pretty bird in flight!

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    1. Thank you Eileen. They really are pretty when flying.

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  4. That is a fine shot and your exposure is excellent clearly showing the kite! I think they are quite beautiful even if a little canabalistic! ;)

    If you have never been to Cedar Key it is worth a trip...We started visiting there when we lived in south Florida in 1988.

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    1. Thank you Lowell. They are beautiful. Nature can be so cruel sometimes. I've never been to Cedar Key but maybe one day.

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  5. Whoa! What a wonderful sighting. I'd be pleased to see this even from a great distance. That's so sad about the chicks. Sometimes nature seems cruel, but I suppose there's a greater purpose.

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    1. They are beautiful Gail. I saw another/the same one earlier today. So graceful. It is sad about the chick but I suppose you are right. Have a great Friday!

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  6. This is a beautiful picture. I love the sight of the bird against that blue sky.

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    1. Thank you Ruth. It is a magnificent bird. I just came from outside, where one was circling around but I wasn't fast enough with my camera. It flew off to the south. :(

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  7. nice. I like the markings. I agree, sad that the one kills the other.

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    1. Thank you Doreen. It is sad. Happy Friday.

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  8. What a great picture. I developing a fondness for big sky / small bird images.

    I always interested that people say natural death makes them sad. If the death of the second egg was really a bad thing, it would no longer happen. Nature does not preserve things like that. It just guarantees (well sort of) that at least one chick survives.

    Cheers

    Stewart M - Melbourne

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    1. Thank you. They are fantastic looking birds in the air. Would love to see one a little closer though. Have a good weekend.

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  9. What a beautiful bird in flight!

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  10. If they are that striking while they are roosting as they are in flight, they must be awesome! I hate hearing about the survival of the fittest out in the wild, but that's life, I guess.

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    1. I've only seen them in flight but I bet they're gorgeous when roosting.

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  11. Guess what flew over yesterday!!! (Friday)
    YES!!! A kite. I didn't have my camera in hand...and I didn't want to miss watching him fly, so I didn't go inside and get it.
    But...I did take in the majesty of one of the most beautifully-flying birds I have ever seen!! We saw one last year. Just one!!
    I hope that he returns.
    Just wanted to let you know!!
    Hugs and love,
    Jackie

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    1. That's awesome Jackie. Maybe it will return and you'll be able to get a photo. I agree they are beautiful flyers.

      Hugs,
      Cindy

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  12. J'aime cette hirondelle...

    Pierre

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    1. Thank you Pierre. I'm glad you like the kite. Have a great week.

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I love reading your comments. Thanks for visiting. ~Cindy :)