Swallow-tailed Kites Breeding at Lake Lotus

I have always wanted to get a shot of a Swallow-tailed Kite perching in a tree. They return from South America in early February and breed in the States but are often seen soaring over areas instead of stopping on a tree limb unless you find a roosting site. Today at the banding site we had a very unexpected chance to get some shots of these incredible birds.

We were banding a couple of birds and then preparing to head back out. Ranger Frank was hanging out for a bit and we spotted a Kite flying in and it actually landed just above the banding table.



Swallow-tailed Kites are so striking in the air and with their black and white feathers they really stand out against the sky. The day was suppose to be clear but we only had a few minutes of blue before the clouds moved back in.



I had to work fast to shift camera settings as three of us snapped photos as fast as we could. Who knew how long she might stick around?.



The female Swallow-tailed Kite spent a while watching us as we move around far below her. I loved the angle I finally got showing the wing and tail feathers crossed behind her.



How do we know this was a female? Well, shortly after that last shot the male flew by with nesting material and headed to a nearby tree. He then surprised us by calling and he swooped in to land behind her.



The Swallow-tailed Kites copulated as we watched, sometimes nuzzling each other during the coupling.



A minute later, the male flew off to look for more material for the nest.



We spotted the nest site and will mark it the next time we return for banding in the first week of April. It might be a very exciting chance to photograph these birds as Spring advances. What a morning, even with a lower capture rate than we would have liked. Can't beat Nature at show us some unexpected wonders.