swallow-tailed kite

A fairly rare bird to spot in the U.S., mostly occurring in a few southeast states, but primarily Florida. beautiful, striking black and white markings and telltale forked tail make them stand out.

Taken at the Corkscrew CREW, Naples, Florida

A Kettle of Kites heading out for breakfast! This kettle is from a nearby pre-migration roost that numbers in the thousands. Many have already left for their wintering grounds in South America and the remainder will be leaving in the next week or so.

Swallow-tailed Kite getting his morning drink of water!

Swallow-tailed Kit

Swallow-tailed Kites - getting their morning drink - on the wing!

Swallow-tailed Kites - getting their morning drink - on the wing!

Swallow-tailed Kites - getting their morning drink - on the wing!

Swallow-tailed Kite

Swallow-tailed Kite

Swallow-tailed Kite

In the summer the Swallow-Tailed Kite is a frequently sight along the highways in Central Florida, like this one which we spotted over I-Drive in Orlando.

...for my aching shoulders but at least it was clear enough to tell what it is ;)

Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus subsp. yetapa) Near La Peita along Ro Chucunaque, Darin Province, Panam. River riparian with disturbed tropical lowland rainforest (mixed evergreen and deciduous forest) at 40 m (131 ft) elevation.

I just love seeing these beauties

Not the best of pictures but look what flew over yesterday!

...with this Swallow-tailed Kite. What's with the black cap on its head? I didn't even take notice of it when photographing it. Only when I brought it up on my computer.

Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus subsp. yetapa) Sexes similar. North of Tarapoto, San Martn, Per along Hwy. 13 en route to the Tunnel. Roadside, tropical rainforest at ca. 610 m (2,000 ft) in the foothills of the Cordillera Escalera.

It's always a thrill when these birds seem to magically appear.

This beauty made a second pass and gave me more time to prepare for the shot.

A fly by at Harnes Marsh, Lee County, Florida Wishing you all a great evening and a wonderful 2016.

It's always a thrill when these kites seem to magically appear out of nowhere and silently glide over the tree tops.

Over my yard, late in the evening and I was fortunate to have enough light. These guys are frequent visitors from early spring to late fall, and I never tire of watching them soar overhead. From time to time, one will swoop down and snag a lizard from one of out tall trees.

Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus subsp. yetapa) Sexes similar. Not the sky one wishes for when trying to photograph birds in flight but you get what you get when given the opportunity (lol). Near Cabaas Yankuam, Reserva Natural Maycu, Zamora-Chinchipe Province, Ecuador. Floodplain of...

This Kite seems to sneak up on you, and then if you're not careful you may become mesmerized by its beautiful flight and forget to click on it.