Black-shouldered Kite

One of the species we often have visiting our garden, or soaring overhead, is the Black-shouldered Kite, shown in today’s photos. Over recent weeks we have had frequent visits by an individual displaying juvenile plumage. This is not the first time that this species has been observed breeding in the vicinity of our home.

Yesterday’s visit proved fruitful for me. Normally the bird will perch on the dead branch at the top of a mallee tree at the house. This gives it a good view all around. Usually, when I creep outside with my camera it flies off immediately, much to my annoyance and frustration. Yesterday was different; it posed for my camera while I took about 20 photos. Great – especially with the deep blue summer sky as a backdrop.

It wasn’t allowed to perch there unchallenged for long. I noticed  that the resident White-plumed honeyeaters were chirping their warnings to all around, and the Red Wattlebird (shown below) was brave enough to actually swoop the kite and snap its beak nearby. Eventually the harassment was too annoying, and the kite flew off.

If you enjoyed this article, you might enjoy reading the following:

• Brown Falcon at Monarto Zoo
• Wedge-tailed eagle overhead
• Black Kite, Mannum
• Surprised by a kite – a humorous encounter with a Yellow-billed Kite in Ethiopia

Red wattlebird

Black-shouldered Kite