Graceful Swallow-tailed Kite - treefrog offering from interloping male - Birds of Florida

What a treat to come across these Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) in the wetland forest of Jonathan Dickinson State Park on April 7. One bird (presumably a female) was perched high on a tree snag.Two others flew in, circling over the treetops. These kites snatch prey from branches and eat them in flight. The flight shots were done with the camera hand-held. When editing the video months later, I noticed one of the birds had a treefrog in its bill. It flew down to the perched female, displaying the tender morsel while calling. These kites are monogamous and will meet up during migration or on the breeding grounds. It is common for mates to feed females after breeding. It is also common for non-breeding males to offer food to females, which she rejects. I believe what we see here is the female's rejection of the treefrog offered by the non-breeding male.The mate defends the breeding territory and chases away the interloper.
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[@SniperLogic]

Saw a flock of 30-40 at an oxbow lake on Altamaha River a few days ago. The most I had seen in my whole 62 years on the planet put together. Never before had seen more than 1 at a time. Must have been a rookery. Beautiful sight & very loud. Phone/camera was back at my truck…naturally. Hope they weren’t disturbed too much. I moved on quickly.

[@FeathersinWild]

Thank you for sharing...

[@CliveBramham]

My pleasure

[@violina48]

Wonderful share and beautifully filmed, Clive! Happy sunday☼

[@CliveBramham]

Hi Annemieke. Thanks so much. Happy Sunday!

[@MaginFloridaBlue]

I was lucky enough to see one about 3 months ago ! It was being chased by 2 mockingbirds, I’m sure their nest was threatened! I heard a lot of “screaming” going on, looked up & saw one of the coolest birds ever! I didn’t know what it was, looked up on internet & realized just how amazing bird I was lucky enough to see! I saw I again the next day, thrilling, then no more. I live in Wellington, in a populated area. After reading about their habit, I was even more surprised! Thanks for the beautiful video!

[@CliveBramham]

Thanks for your story!

[@lilzazagoat7654]

Same I live close to where u live in west palm beach in Palm Springs I see them ones every month I saw one cats a mouse that was on a tree

[@lilzazagoat7654]

Catch not cat lol

[@hisdudeness8328]

What a beautiful bird.
We had one just randomly fly over my brother in-law's house over Easter Sunday and the kids were in awe of its majestic frame as well as its aerodynamic capabilities. What a very rare treat that was.

[@jdoutdoorsnature6460]

Beautiful scenery and nature

[@ToToWildlife]

Amazing bird and superb filming 🎥

[@StoilDIvanov]

Very nice video!

[@CliveBramham]

Thanks, Stoil!

[@jakubprzyrodnik]

What an amazing bird. I've never heard of this species. Thanks for sharing. Hope you stay healthy and safe. Greetings.😃

[@CliveBramham]

Hi Jakub. Yes, so beautiful - like a cross between a large swallow and a falcon. It's a special delight to watch the spring unfold in this corona year. Best wishes to you.

[@lynngarber5497]

That was incredible, Thank you so much.

[@TheJacksnipe]

Super shooting one more time! Do you actually live in Norway or in the US?

[@CliveBramham]

Hi. Thanks for that! I am based in Norway but spend a lot of time in the U.S. where I grew up. This video is from April last year.

Good scenes, congratulations

[@bruzrcruzr2004]

These birds will eat doves.