Texbirders:
Growing, growing, gone ….. Well, not quite yet but a Swallow-tailed Kite
researcher who had contacted me regarding my previous reports looked at some
photos I took yesterday and declared the nestling from the nest I found during
my last visit about 33 days old and likely to fledge by the weekend. He/she
received a constant supply of food (all nestlings of other species) from both
parents and is so strong already that he lifts off a little when vigorously
flapping the wings in exercise. The second, much smaller nestling that I had
previously seen in this nest did not show yesterday and might no longer be
alive.
The first nest I found this year did not have any activity around it and
nesting might be finished.
A third nest that I found yesterday (how could I have missed it for so long?)
had a very large nestling that also exercises its wings regularly. It is
estimated to be 28 days old and expected to fledge around Independence Day -
great timing.
I just hope all those nestlings being fed to the Swallow-tailed Kites are not
the little ones of the Mississippi Kites. Somebody is certainly paying the
price.
So, hurry if you want to see them before they are gone. Lots to see at Devers
Creek Park and eating tasty BBQ from the local joint at the picnic area in the
cool shade of the big oaks is always an added bonus.
Petra Hockey
Port O’Connor, Calhoun Co.
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