Saturday, April 30, 2016

Look UP! "Swallow-tailed Kite"

And you really need to look UP every time you go outside here in Florida. We have so many wonderful birds that live here and many more that migrate through the central part of the state.

 

I watched this Swallow-tailed Kite from the driveway.

 

He was so far up in the sky that most of my photos are a little blurry.

 

But at least I could see that he had something in his talons. It looked like a twig maybe.

 

I learned more about these beautiful birds at Wikipedia HERE. "They are endangered in South Carolina, threatened in Texas, and rare in Georgia. A key conservation area is the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge in Florida." And we live very near that area.

 

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE
and I’d Rather B Birdin’.

I know the weather is changing in many parts of the US right now! So be sure to look UP when you go outside!

34 comments:

ann said...

Spectacular. I should have my brother in Texas look for them. I don't know if he is a bird watcher, though. He does recognize cardinals because I want to photograph them when I visit and he does recognize vultures for they indicate most likely that one his new calves may be. . . . You understand. Enjoy your time in the sun. It has begun to snow here, again. Light, wet fluffy stuff that melts before it hits the ground; but snow, none-the-less.

Arlene G said...

I always learn something about birds from your blog Diane. I need to look up more myself!!

Gayle said...

Good advice and nice captures of the swallowtail.

fabriquefantastique said...

Canada geese flew north last week in a big V. I looked up because you could hear them honking from about 3 miles away.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Beautiful! I love the great photos. I often see birds gliding through the air around here. Don't know what they are (Hawks I suspect) but they are amazing to watch.
hugs,
Linda

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

I remind myself every hike...'Look up.'

Zizi Santos said...

Lindas imagens!
gostei muito!

Nancy's Notes said...

Great shots of a beautiful swallow-tail! I'm one to wonder around and look up and at times, I kind of miss a step! Eeekkk. I love looking up towards the sky! Love that photograph of The Withlacoohee River, it's gorgeous!
Have a great Saturday, Diane!
Nancy

eileeninmd said...

Hello, the Swallow-tailed kite is a great bird. Wonderful sighting. I am always looking up. :)


Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!

Kathy said...

I've never heard of this bird, let alone seen one. You introduce me to the coolest birds. Thanks for sharing this. Now I have to go read about it.

Susie said...

Diane, What wonderful pictures. I love that bird. You sure do get to see many different kinds of birds and water fowl. I love seeing them. Hope you are having a fun weekend. Bless you, xoxo, Susie

Stacey said...

I have never seen one of those! It's like a cross between a scissortail flycatcher and a hawk. ;)

Deb said...

Great pics Diane, good to see them carrying nesting materials since they are endangered, hope the next generation thrives! Deb xo

Stephanie said...

Wow! I don't think I have ever seen one of those. Your photos are wonderful, my friend.

Have a lovely Sunday! Hugs!

JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes) said...

Glorious photos my dear. What a lovely bird. Your header is terrific!!!! We saw swallows today - chasing down the bugs - good little birds.

shortybear said...

lovely photos

Botanic Bleu said...

Diane,
Bird watching is so relaxing. I'll have to watch for this bird here in north Texas.

Judith

Phil Slade said...

You are so lucky in having such a beautiful and rare bird close to home. I hope the kites go on to prosper and delight all of Florida, residents and visitors alike.

Anni said...

Stopping by I'd Rather B Birdin' this weekend to add your link to the tool there gave us a thrill; thank you!! A thrill for me especially since I am always told they fly in our midst also, but I have yet to see one.

Well documented!!!

Boopnut said...

I never heard of this bird either, but it looks magnificent! I love it's tail. You live in such a wonderful area! I am still waiting for it to warm up here.
Deb

Vee said...

What a beautiful silohouette on that blue sky! He is amazing...tried so hard to see what he was gripping...

handmade by amalia said...

Beautiful! We also have quite a few birds and they seem to multiply on those rare mornings when I try to sleep in.
Amalia
xo

Sam I Am...... said...

They are very distinctive birds. You keep me educated! Thanks!

Helma said...

Anyways I think they have many beautiful colored birds abroad than in the Netherlands. Your birds are always so nicely colored and there are so many. The Swallow-tailed Kite I find amazing to see!
Dear greetings

Debby Ray said...

Awesome shots, Diane! Hmmm...I wonder what that was in his talons???

Inger said...

Today, I saw a red-tailed hawk sailing above. And the house finched had to build a new next as their old one was removed during renovations. And they were considerate enough to build it under the eaves right outside my living room window. Will give baby reports when the time comes.

Lorrie said...

Wonderful shots of a free-flying bird. I can just imagine how much he enjoyed flying in the wind.

Terra said...

That is a gorgeous bird and I hope their numbers recover. You did good with your photos. More and more people every year, moving in to more and more formerly wild land, and it is ever harder for the birds.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

The kite has a pretty tail, Diane! I most often see magpies and crows here and an occasional hawk. Sometimes I hear owls in the trees at night but they leave by morning.

BeachGypsy said...

Great pictures! They sure have unique tails dont they? We love watching the birds and i especially love the hawks and the owls. We are very intrigued by the birds of prey

DeniseinVA said...

My goodness, those are great flight shots. Loved the first one particularly but all of them are great. What an interesting bird.

Lois said...

You really did get some great shots of this beautiful bird! We do have some wonderful birds here in Florida don't we?

NatureFootstep said...

this is a wonderful bird. Thanks for sharing it. :)

Gardening with Juanita said...

I was in Fl. about 3 years ago. I was shock not to see a lot of flowers in front of peoples houses. It is hot there. Hot in Ar. When I was a kid, 75 years ago just about everyone had flowers of some in their yard. Now it is few. Flowers make me smile. I loved your the beaches. Your photo are beautiful.