Hi Everyone,

There was a steady watch for the SWALLOW-TAILED KITE on Kent Island today until at least 4:45 p.m. I arrived at 10:00 a.m., and as Mark pointed out the last place it was seen, the bird materialized and put it in its first brief appearance. Each time it appeared this morning, it circled over the trees to the east, occasionally circling higher and then diving back toward the treetops. Dragonflies were often visible above the trees, and several times we saw the kite feeding on small prey.

The bird was seen about five times between 10:00 a.m. and 11:44 a.m., and it was also seen by Rob Ostrowski, Jim Stasz, Ed Boyd, and Kevin Graff. Rob and I left with others at around 1:30 p.m., and the afternoon shift of Mike Burchett, Betsy Bangert, and Ed Carlson continued. I know that Dan Small and Maren Gimpel were there until 4:45 p.m.

Other highlights for the sky watch were three BROAD-WINGED HAWKs (scarce on the Eastern Shore), a flyover PINE SISKIN, and a displaying COOPER'S HAWK, which occasionally harassed a NORTHERN HARRIER.

Congratulations on the awesome find, Mark, and many thanks! A state bird for me! Thanks to Dan Haas for quickly kicking off the comms network.

Afterward, Rob and I contributed to the local economy, celebrating with a limited edition Dogfish Head at The Narrows restaurant. Seated at the window overlooking Kent Narrows, our best birds were six CASPIAN TERNs. 

Some additional photos:
http://www.billhubick.com/photos/updates/20110424.php

Good birding!

Bill

Bill Hubick
Pasadena, Maryland

http://www.billhubick.com


--- On Sun, 4/24/11, Dan Haas <> wrote:

> From: Dan Haas <>
> Subject: Re: [MDOSPREY] SWALLOW-TAILED KITE on Kent Island
> To: "Bill Hubick" <>
> Cc: 
> Date: Sunday, April 24, 2011, 10:46 AM
> HUGE THANKS to Mark Schilling for
> finding this magnificent Easter
> surprise and to Bill for posting!
> 
> Here are some photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nervousbird/
> 
> Bill Hubick is on location with big lens, 

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