Predator in a storm.
He knew that with all of the rain about, rodents would have to scurry around for food way down below.
There was a huge open piece of land under the overhead electric cables and this guy was hovering. As we took the onramp onto the highway, I saw him hovering and I immediately knew what it was. So it was back to the norm again, as I pulled into the emergency lane, switched the hazard lights on and stood next to the car to get him.
Come and see!
He is a Dark-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus), some also call them a Black-winged Kite.
Helloo! He saw me, as their eye sight is very sharp.
As you can see, this was the fourth day of our black storm and the light was not very good.
The weather did not bother the Kite and neither did it bother me.
He simply continued to hover (meaning standing still in the sky) and my time was up, so I had to go if I did not want a traffic fine.
But yes, about 2 or 3 years ago I posted many Kite posts here on Hive when we still lived up in the northern parts of the country. I even posted the Kites with huge rats in their beaks and these guys are prime hunters.
They can strike by diving down at high speed and a rat doesn't have a chance when a Kite spots him.
Great birds.
And That's All Friends!
Note: All photos are my own and taken with a Canon Powershot SX60HS Bridge camera.
We hope that you have enjoyed the story and the pictures.
Thank you kindly for supporting a post by @papilloncharity
it's like an owl in my country
Hahaha, we also have many owls here my friend, but they don't have the same speed as the kite.
Beauty
Thank you!
I see red kites around here a lot, but I'm not sure what they feed on. I guess there must be something to scavenge, but they need to be careful around the roads. See kestrels too sometimes. Lots of waterfowl on my run today.
Have a great day.
All of the Kite species here live mainly on rats and mice that they get in thec fields Sir Steve.
We have 9 species of Kestrels and thus far I have only got two of the nine.
So, are you still going around with your camera at times?
I don't have it with me all the time, especially not when running. I will try to get out for some nature walks soon.
So wish that I could run again Sir Steve, as in my boxing days I ran a lot. Also in the sports teams at school, but any running stopped in 1980 after my motorbike accident.
Ended up with one leg shorter and the end of any running attempts, as my back was also damaged.
Such is life.
Sorry to hear that. I had some minor accidents on my motorbikes, but no broken bones.
Part and parcel of life Sir Steve and I was lucky not to be registered as deceased when I arrived at the hospital. But I have learned to cope and am glad that I still have the leg in daily use without a walking stick or other aids.