Swallow-tailed Kite Coming in for a Quick Drink
One could argue that Swallow-tailed Kites are the most graceful bird on the planet.
They breed throughout the state of Florida, all along the gulf coast over to Louisiana and up the eastern seaboard to North Carolina.
I first saw them decades ago soaring high in the sky near Charleston SC. Here in Florida, they are a pretty common site each spring thru August or so before heading back to central and south America after breeding.
I've seen them flying over Miami, and are quite common soaring over our home here in Central Florida.
But I've never had a decent photo opportunity until now.
As they get ready to head south again, they gather in numbers to roost. In the morning, once the thermals begin, they start soaring and head off to forage.
If lucky, before heading out for the day, they might take a dip into the lake for a quick drink. That's what this guy here is doing.
Very beautiful birds and the epitome of grace in flight.
Swallow-tailed Kite Coming in for a Quick Drink
One could argue that Swallow-tailed Kites are the most graceful bird on the planet.
They breed throughout the state of Florida, all along the gulf coast over to Louisiana and up the eastern seaboard to North Carolina.
I first saw them decades ago soaring high in the sky near Charleston SC. Here in Florida, they are a pretty common site each spring thru August or so before heading back to central and south America after breeding.
I've seen them flying over Miami, and are quite common soaring over our home here in Central Florida.
But I've never had a decent photo opportunity until now.
As they get ready to head south again, they gather in numbers to roost. In the morning, once the thermals begin, they start soaring and head off to forage.
If lucky, before heading out for the day, they might take a dip into the lake for a quick drink. That's what this guy here is doing.
Very beautiful birds and the epitome of grace in flight.