by Cheryl, Gulf Coast Poet

Swallow-Tailed Kites

Swallow-tailed Kite Wing Spread Gliding High in Sky

Swallow-Tailed Kites

Swallow-tailed kites,

silhouetted on blue sky,

shrill cries overhead.

Kites nest in the tall pine trees

along slow-flowing canals .

Copyright© 2021 by Cheryl Batavia

A flock of five loudly shrieking swallow-tailed kites flew by as I was sitting on the front porch one morning last week. Kites live in wetlands and along rivers and canals in the Southeastern US and Central and South America. They feed on lizards and other small reptiles. We live between two canals and there are vacant wooded lots with many pine trees across the street. I have seen individual kites there many times, but a flock of them flying by was a very exciting experience!

61 Comments

  3. Beautiful poem to remember the sighting Cheryl, creates a vivid picture of the kites flying against the blue sky. Five screaming kites flying as a flock is unusual.
    We have few varieties of kites here, but I mostly see them alone or in pairs, not more than that.
    And your description creates a nice picture of your surroundings, the two canals with pine trees must be a beautiful area to live in!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Kate! I ❤ am pleased that you enjoyed the post. I hope future generations will have an opportunity to see wildlife here. Our area is undergoing a lot of development that decreases habitat.

      My pleasure to share! Take care! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I love living here with woods and wildlife all around. Hopefully, the empty lots will not be developed too rapidly. I like having armadillos, raccoons, and a variety of birds as neighbors. There are bobcats around, but I haven’t seen one here yet. We used to see them once in a while when we lived in Englewood.

      Thank you Eugenia for your kind response. ❤ Have a lovely weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I can relate, Cheryl! When we lived in Jacksonville, FL, our house backed up to a reserve and it was like we had our own private zoo. It was delightful! You have a beautiful weekend too, Cheryl.🌺

        Liked by 1 person

  20. Oh this reminds me of the morning last week. A crow flew past by my shoulder twice and the second one was frightening. I thought it would bite me.

    Kites are looking sweet and that is an adorable sight to watch birds fly with the blue sky has the canvas. Lovely and lively poetry.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Kritika, for sharing your thoughts and for your kind comments. ❤ Usually, animals do not come too close. When they do, it makes you wonder why. This morning a rabbit in our front yard allowed me to walk right up to it.

      Glad you liked the post. ❤ Have a great day!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. My pleasure always Cheryl (heart)
        I had this thought of the crow biting me as it flew by my shoulder twice.
        Rabbits are cute.
        Have an amazing day Cheryl! (hearts) Take Care!

        Liked by 1 person

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