Swallow-tailed Kite at Fish Creek in Door County Wisconsin on July 27, 2016

I had not been on the computer all day yesterday until late afternoon and what a nice surprise to see a Swallow-tailed Kite was found in Door County. I arrived at sun up near Fish Creek and the 1st 3 hours were very quiet. Then I followed what I thought was a birder in a car and stopped her as she was turning around in a drive. It was Ann Gamble, the finder of this awesome Swallow-tailed Kite. We just talked for a minute and she said that the location we were at was the main place she had seen the Swallow-tailed Kite. In less then a minute, there the kite was gracefully gliding high up. Probably catching insects on the fly or just enjoying the thermals.  It did this for at least 1 hour and for the most part remained distant. The male kite put on a phenomenal show. Talking with Ann, she said the bird has maybe been there a month already as her sister talked of a bird fitting the kite description awhile back. Ann has been following the bird on and off approximately the last 10 days. Thanks to Ann for finding this bird, getting some shots of it, getting the ID, and getting the word out for others to see. A life bird for me and an exciting one at that! This bird typically breeds in Florida, and winters for the most part in South America. Images were taken on July 27, 2016.

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Swallow-tailed Kite

Binomial name: Elanoides forficatus

Category: Hawks, Kites, Eagles, and Allies

Size: 22” long, 51” wing span

Weight: 15 oz

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About admin

Window to Wildlife features the photography of Jim Edlhuber. A lifelong native of Wisconsin, Jim has been photographing wildlife for 20 years. He considers himself an avid photographer and is always trying to capture nature and wildlife through his lens. He is in several photography clubs and has won numerous awards for his work. In recent years, Jim has focused mostly on birding photography and finds it to be the most challenging.

11 Responses to Swallow-tailed Kite at Fish Creek in Door County Wisconsin on July 27, 2016

  1. Laura Wentz says:

    Awesome photos Jim. I knew when I saw the report that you’d probably be on your way up there. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Elizabeth says:

    What an awesome bird — so glad you found him. Great pictures!

  3. Chris Rademacher says:

    Beautiful bird. Thank you for the images.
    I just read that prior to 1900 they bred as far north as Minnesota.

  4. Vinod baskaran says:

    Beautiful bird and great pictures.

  5. Ann Gamble says:

    Great pictures Jim! I am so glad you didn’t leave before seeing him and getting these wonderful shots! It was a pleasure meeting you!

  6. Thomas Wood says:

    Once again your patience paid off, Jim. Congratulations on a great sighting and thanks for sharing the photos! The kite must have come in fairly close for you to get that first photograph. Beautiful bird!

  7. Kath says:

    Nice find Ann and Jim and great pictures. I was just in Fish Creek last week. So sorry I missed this lovely bird. I birded Peninsula State Park and several other beautiful spots and then drove “F” Rd. down to Bailey’s Harbor to the Coyote Roadhouse for dinner with friends. Absolutely loved DC. Happy birding to you. Luv K.

  8. Kathi and Michael Rock says:

    Wonderful captures Jim. Thank you for sharing them with us!

  9. Annie says:

    Thanks Jim. Awesome pictures and thanks so much for sharing.

  10. Carl Schwartz says:

    Awesome is the word I would use as well; thanks for this visual treat!

  11. Mary Scheld says:

    Awesome!

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