August 18, 2009

Mississippi Kites





Mississippi Kites
My husband and I were out walking and we heard this "phewww" sound of a hawk. Ken spotted the fledgling Mississippi Kite right above us. Fortunately I had brought my camera along! The parents soared around above looking for food for the fledge and kept their sharp eyes on us. They seemed to tolerate us quite well, as they didn't dive bomb us! We saw the adult bring food to the fledge...meat of some sort. Then the adults landed nearby as long as we were standing beneath their baby.
The Kites are known to feed on Cicadas and other large insects. Cicadas are plentiful here.
Today while out walking we located another Mississippi Kite family nearby. We couldn't see the Fledgling, but could hear it calling out for food. We did see the two parents perched on the electrical lines.