Monday, May 19, 2008

Them wild-eyed birds that had been away

The kites are back in town!

A few weeks ago, the Mississippi kites returned from winter vacation in South America to grace our skies with their sleek silhouettes.

For many years, kites have nested in the Old Forest along the eastern shoreline of Rainbow Lake and it looks like they're doing the same this year.

This is an excellent spot for nesting because it provides quick access to the many insects that fly above the Greensward and Rainbow Lake. That's right -- bugs are the primary food of this amazing predator!

I couldn't find a good copyright-free image of a kite flying, but just look for the crow-sized falcon with the perfect triangular tail. You can't miss 'em.

For more info, John James Audubon's description of Mississippi kites is absolutely fascinating, and a vivid illustration of why I loathe that man.

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