Black Kite

Description:

The first shows the baby kite (almost an adult) and the second shows one of the parent birds. Black kites have a strongly forked tail (which I have not been able to show in this spotting). The beak is curved and I speak from experience that although it looks deadly it can take a sweet from a child's clutched fist without even grazing the skin.

Habitat:

One of our many office buildings has an outdoor AC unit that has a railing to protect it. It is rather like an observation balcony. A pair of Black Kites have built their nest here. I suppose it does give them the advantage of inaccessible height.

Notes:

I am always surprised at how enterprising and adaptable animals can be (and heartbroken that they need to be.) These birds have a shrill call.