Stephen > I would love to see one of these eagles in the wild, but for now the Dallas Zoo will suffice.  Dallas, Texas, August 2008
Stephen > It was noon.  The light was harsh and directly above, but I did not want to pass on the opportunity to document five mississippi kites perched in a tree.  These kites are basically yard birds for this neighborhood near me.  The fifth kite by the way is in the upper left hand corner obscured by branches and leaves.  Midlothian, Texas, July 2008
Stephen > I have noticed that the mississippi kites like to perch in this certain tree which is relatively low to the ground instead of perching high in their huge nesting trees or on the utility lines.  So knowing that, I always try to pass by this tree when able.  It was cloudy and had been raining, but here this mississippi kite was; consequetly I took the shot standing in this person's yard on an electrical box to try to get more parrallel with the kite.  It's a so-so image, but I sort of like that head position.  Midlothian, Texas, July 2008
Stephen > While traveling to Brownsville from South Padre Island, my wife noticed this Harris's Hawk just off the side of the road perched on top of some scrub brush.  I took this picture from the passenger side window.  I think this is a male because I noticed a much bigger Harris's Hawk on top of a yucca plant about 50 yards away.  Brownsville, Texas, June 2008
Stephen > I spotted this red tailed hawk flying near its nest in late January 2008.  It, along with is mate, have subsequently raised a chick who recently fledged.  Midlothian, Texas
Stephen > I found this mississippi kite in an area where I usually do not find them.  This looks like a first year adult and I am hoping it is going to establish itself in this area along with a mate if it hasn't already done so.  I have seen kites flying over this area but I have never seen one perched here.  Midlothian, Texas, May 2008.
Stephen > Got an itch; have to scratch.  Midlothian, Texas, May 2008
Stephen > Here is a relatively clean shot of a Mississippi Kite that my son had first noticed and that I followed on foot to this perch.  It left the perch twice picking up some prey off of the ground, an insect, and then returning.  I was trying for a completely clean shot, but it just wouldn't work with the branches, but I do like the close approach that it allowed me.  Midlothian, Texas, May 2008
Stephen > I do not like all the branches in the way, but I do like the eye contact.  It had just perched in this tree after leaving this same spot to catch an insect on the ground about 5 feet in front of me.  It acted as if I were not even there.  The kites in this area seem relatively habituated to humans.  This is a neighborhood with some old growth cottonwoods, pecans and oaks which the kites seem to enjoy for nesting.  Midlothian, Texas, May 2008.
I would love to see one of these eagles in the wild, but for now the Dallas Zoo will suffice. Dallas, Texas, August 2008
Stephen > I would love to see one of these eagles in the wild, but for now the Dallas Zoo will suffice.  Dallas, Texas, August 2008
I would love to see one of these eagles in the wild, but for now the Dallas Zoo will suffice. Dallas, Texas, August 2008
See photo in gallery

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