It was a long wait for me yesterday arriving at Sean McCandless's house
just about a half hour after the very brief sightings of both kite species
around 10 AM. A congenial group entertained each other, some coming and
going, while we patiently waited in the sun for more kites. None came until
Sean arrived home from work! Obviously they know when to start the show
<s>.  While waiting, we all enjoyed the many passes of the Red-shouldered
Hawk who plucked cicadas out of the air as it flew by. This behavior was
observed in a Red-tailed Hawk too and finally the kites. When one sub-adult
kite really put on a show for us, flying low and directly overhead, I ran
back to my car and whipped out my camera. I managed a few distant shots and
one pretty close. I've put it on my website here:
http://nestbox.com/rare.htm for those who might not make it to Sean's.
Unfortunately the Swallow-tailed Kite never put in another appearance
although some of us waited until 6:30.

Sean and his neighbor directly across the street were most accommodating.
We sat on the neighbor's lawn most of the day. Sean provides chairs but it
would be a good idea to take your own, especially if you plan on spending a
lot of time there (between travel and waiting, I had a 14-hour day!). Bring
sunscreen and plenty of water!






Arlene Ripley
Calvert County, MD

http://nestbox.com