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Snail Kite (female) with breakfast

This image was named a finalist in the 2009 Photographer's Forum Annual Spring Photography Contest

 

© 2009 Kevin Barry, All Rights Reserved.

This photo may not be used in any form without permission from the photographer.

 

Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Florida

The Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) is an endangered bird of prey which lives in the Everglades and throughout central and south Florida. It's main diet is a large specie of snail called the Apple Snail. Marsh draining, hunting by farmers, and drought have taken a toll on them. In 1972, there were only 65 birds left. The Endangered Species Act was passed in 1973 and has helped the Kite rebound.

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Uploaded on October 4, 2009
Taken on September 26, 2009