Friday, May 14, 2010

Mississippi Kite


We have Mississippi kites nesting in our big tree on the end of the driveway. At first we noticed them circling around the house. One of them landed in our yard and was scouting around. After a few weeks we noticed them carrying branches etc. to the tree. The nest is about 30ft from the ground at the top of the tree but well hidden from all sides. It is very hard to see but you can hear them. When they get noisy I go out with my camera and take a few photos.

Here is some info from the internet.

Mississippi kites generally begin nesting soon after their arrival in spring. They form pair bonds before arriving at nest sites and display little territorial behavior.
In late May or early June, kites lay 2 white to pale bluish white eggs . Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the young. They usually lay only 1 clutch per year, which hatches after an incubation period of about 30 to 32 days. The young are able to fly and leave the nest 30 to 34 days after hatching.