Florida 2015 – SNAIL KITES!

*Click on photos to enlarge.*

~A female Snail Kite takes a break from snail hunting near Harn's Marsh in Fort Myers Florida, 5/5/15.~
~A female Snail Kite takes a break from snail hunting over a canal near Harn’s Marsh in Fort Myers Florida, 5/5/15.~

One of my target birds during our trip to Florida was the SNAIL KITE. When I checked on eBird before we got down to the Fort Myers area, it looked very likely that I would have to do some traveling if I was to see this federally endangered species. But, sometimes you get lucky. Twice. First, we met another birder (whose name I never got) at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and she shared with us a super location for Snail Kites – they could be seen hunting their favorite food, the apple snail in the canal that leads into Harn’s Marsh in Fort Myers. We went for them the next evening, as we arrived and parked the car, I could immediately see a Snail Kite over the canal – Yes! There were three kites present and they were actively hunting. Unfortunately, from our vantage point the light was terrible and the birds were all silhouetted. That’s when we got our second lucky break – we met local bird photographer Cindy Reilly. She took us to an amazing location just up the canal a bit, where there were 3 additional Snail Kites hunting. Huge thanks to Cindy – because of her we got amazing looks at these birds, who seemed completely unfazed by our presence. I was, however,  still fighting the light for photos; it was getting later and some clouds had rolled in. I cranked up the ISO on my camera and did the best I could. I felt like I would like another try for some photos, so I went back two days later in the morning. The birds were not hunting, but I did manage to get some better perched photos of the male and the immature bird. What a super birding experience, so lucky and awesome.

~Success! Snail Kite with snail in is grasp, near Harn's Marsh 5/5/15.~
~Success! Snail Kite with snail in its grasp, canal near Harn’s Marsh 5/5/15.~
~Male Snail Kite perched on a treetop. Near Harn's Marsh, 5/7/15.~
~Male Snail Kite perched on a treetop near Harn’s Marsh, 5/7/15.~
~A Snail Kite makes a mid-air maneuver over the water. Near Harn's Marsh, 5/5/15.~
~A Snail Kite makes a mid-air maneuver over the canal near Harn’s Marsh, 5/5/15.~
~Another shot after a successful dive for a snail. Snail Kite near Harn's Marsh, 5/5/15.~
~Another shot after a successful dive for a snail. Snail Kite near Harn’s Marsh, 5/5/15.~
~Immature Snail Kite, perched near Harn's Marsh in Fort Myers Florida, 5/7/15.~
~Immature Snail Kite, perched near Harn’s Marsh in Fort Myers Florida, 5/7/15.~
~Snail Kite flying over an irrigation ditch near Harn's Marsh, 5/5/15.~
~Snail Kite flying over a canal near Harn’s Marsh, 5/5/15.~

13 thoughts on “Florida 2015 – SNAIL KITES!”

    1. Super bird, right? I agree Ralph, beats warblers any day of the week! Matt

    1. Thanks John, I was a little disappointed with the flight shots with that one being the exception. Matt

  5. Matt,

    Excellent shots ! ANYTIME I have run into Snail Kites has been an especially rewarding day. Unique in so many ways.
    Loved the “change in direction” shot and also those blazing red eyes.

    1. Thanks Ken, it was a real treat for me, that’s for sure. I would have been happy with just a brief look at one, to see them like I did was awesome. Matt

  6. Wow again, you lucky duck! Love that wicked snail-eating beak (isn’t the scientific name Raptor escargot?) All the shots are good, even all the flight shots; the change in maneuver shot is great just for its unique capture. Nice work!

  7. Pingback: Florida 2015 – Burrowing Owls | Orange Birding

Comments are closed.