Hatchie NWR, Haywood County TN May 31 and June 1, 2014 Mississipi Kite nest found May 30 morning - in a sweetgum, nest is about 90 feet high in a 110 foot tall sweetgum (my estimates). Located in heavy forest, but the nest tree is on the bank of the Hatchie River and within 10 yards of a seldom used, narrow gravel road. The nest tree is the tallest tree in a 50 yard by 50 yard area, and the actual nest is about the height of the tops of the adjacent trees. May 30 morning, 2 adults were attending the nest, one adult appeared to be arranging the nest structure on the inside of the nest, a different adult brought an unidentified object to the nest - which appeared (and based on following observations) to be nest material, not food. The object was dropped in the nest, and it appeared one adult moved it around and continued to be adjusting the inside of the nest. Subsequent observations on June 1 (limited as to not disturb the birds), had one adult sitting on the nest, not moving. The other adult would show up occasionally and perch nearby. I'm assuming, based on above, that the nest has eggs - Hoping I (or someone?) can check on the nest at times, maybe confirm a date for young in nest or fledglings, then we can back track the dates to estimate egg laying. Picture (poor quality, sorry) attached. Bob Ford Haywood County TN
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MIKI_nest_1June2014_HatchieNWR.jpg
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