Note: This video has some loud wind noise.
One of a pair of swallow-tailed kites circling above our "post office pond." Writes John E. Cely at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, "Currently, the kite occupies a remnant breeding range of seven, possibly eight, southern states that historically included at least 21 states.... It is state-listed by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) as an endangered species and a high priority species of concern by Partners in Flight (PIF)."
Ya, saw one in Lettuce Lake Park and Gainesville Florida.
aldurak 2 years ago
It looks like the camera was being a son of a gun on the focus! XD I Hate it when those things have a mind of their own.
Great footage!
FullmetalAngyl 3 years ago
I was fortunate enough to witness one just SE of Oklahoma City a couple of weeks ago. Quite a rarity for this area. Your video helped confirm my identification.
roadhunter69 4 years ago
Swallow-tailed kites are elegant birds. Just this afternoon, I enjoyed watching about a dozen of them riding thermals over my house and diving. They fly so effortlessly and with pure grace. Their cry is kind of like a squeaky toy. I live in north-central Florida (Gainesville). A week ago, there were twenty of them.
thisismyname007 4 years ago
Thank you for posting this. I've never seen one in the wild. They're amazing.
Tecobelli 5 years ago
great job.
bigjalil 5 years ago
Good job! Great footage of an amazing bird.
ottovw 5 years ago