ML619633676

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Continuing. After searching for bird with no success at Tyler Arboretum, I decided to head home. As I was driving along Barren Rd. and passing by the large empty lot, I saw Dirk Robinson excitedly retrieving his scope from his car. I zipped up the road in order to turn around in parking lot of Penncrest High School. From the parking lot, I observed a group of birds soaring in distance -- likely over the empty lot that I had just passed. One of the birds caught my attention, and as it banked, I caught a glimpse of the sharp contrasting black-and-white pattern on the underwing. I drove back down the road and joined Dirk, who reported that the bird had just been soaring over the empty lot, but flew out of sight. He anticipated it would return shortly. He ran across the street and asked the homeowner (who was doing yard-work) if we could set our scopes up on her yard. She very politely obliged and talked with us for a few moments. She was familiar with the kite, saying that the she and the neighbors had observed the bird for about a week. She returned to her yard-work. Shortly after, the bird appeared again, flying in from the direction of the empty lot. Dirk and I watched as it soared over the empty lot, occasionally pulling its wings back and diving for flying insects -- a flight-style unlike any other raptor native to the area. Eventually, the kite circled directly over us, offering stunning views. Dirk and I watched in silence. Even the homeowner paused her yard-work to watch as it flew overhead. It was an absolutely unforgettable experience. Many thanks to the homeowner for her kindness and accommodating nature.

Technical information

Model

COOLPIX L110

ISO

80

Focal length

41 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.4

Shutter speed

11/10000 sec

Dimensions

532 pixels x 354 pixels

Original file size

37.4 KB