Mississippi Kites are beginning to be seen in our area. I haven’t seen one yet, but I am on the look-out. I have memories of a nice experience back in May of 2011, about four years ago. We had been birding at a neat birding place near Abilene, called Cedar Gap Farm.
We had just left the place and were about a half-mile down the road when I glanced to the left and saw a juvenile Mississippi Kite atop a utility. I stopped the car, got out with my camera, and took a closer look.
The bird was crying out, and as I looked skyward, an adult, probably it’s mother, was circling with some little nugget of food. As I watched it swept down and fed it in the mouth of the little one and flew off. I was intent on getting a photo of the young one so I set up my big 500mm lens on a tripod about thirty yards away.
As I was beginning to get some serious photos, the bird was still crying out. I was very fortunate that the adult flew down and again gave a large beetle type of insect to the baby. I was able to get these photos.
juvenile Mississippi Kite
Mississippi Kites – dinner time
I hope you enjoyed this short post. Click the images to see enlargements.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
Awesome, Bob!! I hope you get some more photos this summer! They must be really exciting to see.
I hope so, too. But I was really lucky to get those shots. 🙂
I have been trying to identify a pair of raptors that have taken up residence in my neighborhood. The pair appears to be nesting close by, but has a “hanging out” spot on the tree across the street. Thanks to your pictures and description, I have identified them as Mississippi Kites. When I first saw them in the Spring, there were three. Did they finally have to run off last year’s baby before they began nesting again? Haven’t seen him in a while.
This is a bird that I have seen only a couple of times. Wonderful photos, Bob.
Thanks, Dave. We don’t have them in great numbers so I always enjoy getting a look at them.
I can’t speak for your specific situation, but, after birds fledge, or become adults, the nest is usually abandoned. I appreciate your comment. I always love to hear from my readers. Thanks, Martee.
Great pics, Bob! Beautiful birds – I hope that you get another sighting soon!
Thanks, Jo. I did see another recently, but not a very good photo.
Wonderful shots! 🙂
Thanks, Alison. 🙂
Beautiful photos! I have never seen one of these birds. Those little ones, no matter what species, are pretty good at sounding the alarm for food o’clock.
Many thank, Lavinia. I appeciate your comment. I feel fortunate when I am able to get photos like this.
His call was answered! What a beautiful bird.
Thanks, Tiny.