[texbirds] Bastrop Co. Mississippi Kites

From: "Sanchez, Isaac C" <sanchez@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "texbirds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <texbirds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sat, 6 Jul 2013 12:45:07 +0000

Based on a recent post by Brush, I went looking for Zone-tailed Hawks in 
Bastrop Co.  I spent almost 2 hours along the Colorado River in the Tahitian 
Village/golf course area looking for ZTHAs among many vultures without success, 
but I did see several nice birds that included a flyover Pileated Woodpecker 
and at least 3 Mississippi Kites.  I wasnt expecting to see the kites, so it 
was a pleasant surprise.  Although I have seen and photographed MIKIs several 
times in the past, I had never observed them hunting until yesterday. Their 
hunting style seems similar to that of a Peregrine Falcon;  it dives after its 
prey with folded wings at great speed.  Very cool.  See: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/isaaccsanchez/sets/72157634507635126/

The kite disappeared behind trees in its dive so I wasnt able to see how it 
actually attacks its prey.  This was my first image of a MIKI for 2013, which 
brings my photo Big Year total to 504: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/isaaccsanchez/sets/72157632513641635/

Brush also reported seeing Bronzed Cowbirds in the historic district of 
Bastrop, but I dipped on these as well.  If anyone knows of a favorite haunt 
for BROCs around Austin, I would appreciate the info.  They used to be pretty 
regular at the Austin HS baseball fields, but I havent seen them there this 
year.

Bird on,

Isaac Sanchez
Austin


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[texbirds] Bastrop Co. Mississippi Kites

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