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Posted by Jim Duquesnel on 09:15:27 08/03/12
In Reply to: Snail kite pair nesting south of Florida City posted by Jim Duquesnel
Okay, it turns out it is not a nest, but a pair of snail kites feeding what appears to be two young that aren't yet ready (or willing) to hunt for themselves. The dark mass I assumed was a nest and photographed as the sunset the other evening is gone; I am now guessing it was one or both juveniles, which would explain the female remaining perched above it and just to one side. Yesterday, a juvenile was perched 75 meters west of the highway at the top of a low mangrove, loudly voicing its demands for more food, as both adults came and went every 5-10 minutes. About 100 meters south, but just 10 meters west of fence, we could hear identical whiny calls coming from a location blocked from view. The male kite was perched across the restored ditch immediately west of this sound source, and very vocal, but not delivering food to it. Maybe he was trying to encourage a youngster away from the highway (and three observers). Although the young are west of the highway, all foraging seems to take place east of the road. I am guessing that once the young are more cooperative, the family will probably move in that direction and out of easy viewing. See them now while you can. Heading south on US1, pass the MM 121 mile post by two power poles (500 feet). Look for PVC pipes (a demolished boat-trailer lighting rig) leaning against fence. That was the optimal viewing site 24 hours ago. Heading north on US1, after you pass MM 120, and a half, keep a lookout for the PVC pipes leaning up on fence on the opposite (west)side of highway, and a dark blue cushion (20" x 42") hanging from the fence just above ground on the east side of the road. Good luck timing the traffic if you attempt crossing. Hi-visibility clothing recommended, given your proximity to the traffic. There are legal u-turn opportunities at MM 122 and MM 116.
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