I saw this Mississippi Kite land or might not have noticed him, way up overhead.
He sat right there while I shifted around to get the light on his good side.
And sat there some more. I hoped to see him take off, but finally gave up waiting and I moved on.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026
Such a striking bird – great photos!
Thanks, Sam. As nice as it was to see this one at rest, their flight skills are quite spectacular and really fun to watch. I waited, but he sat right there. I suspect based on past years that there was a nest nearby.
Captured nicely on that last shot.
Thanks!
What a magnificent bird, Ellen! Your post reminds me that I haven’t seen snail kites this year in our local wildlife refuge.
We’ve enjoyed seeing a few flying around our neighborhood this summer, but oddly have seen very few dragonflies. Their flight skills are just incredible.
That’s too bad about the snail kites; I know they have a very small range.