Mississippi Kite

On a recent trip into Palo Duro Canyon, we saw many Mississippi Kites soaring overhead. Some were perched in trees - often 3 to a tree. These Kites were hunting along the canyon walls.

(Click on the images for larger views.)

You can see more of my Kites and related info HERE.

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Western Kingbird

The Western Kingbird can be seen many places throughout the panhandle as well as most of the rest of Texas. It is a flycatcher, and dines on insects but will eat berries, too. This Kingbird will perch on a fence post or wire, waiting to ambush a flying insect as it passes nearby. Its aerobatic skills are top notch and he will pursue a dragonfly, bee, butterfly, or cicada for 40 feet or more. They are quite noisy as they engage in their courtship/mating rituals.



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Mississippi Kite

While in Palo Duro Canyon yesterday, many of these Kites were soaring above us. There were at times 3 or 4 of them in a single tree. It appeared that some of them were involved in their mating ritual.

(See more of the Mississippi Kites HERE.)

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