How quickly time moves on for these young kites. A few weeks ago they were peeking out of the nest, then launched into flight on some of the most windy days we’ve had this year.
And when we arrived on this particular morning they were now fully-fledged (pun intended) hunters.
Bronson, the male was no longer providing handouts. It was literally every bird for itself. They had chosen to sit together for what was probably the very last time in the early morning sun and scan the surrounding paddock for a likely meal. Most of their hunting as we watched was for skinks and small prey, but no doubt in the next day or two they would have skilled up enough for the real thing. Mice
Bronson flew past at one stage, perhaps checking they were still in the area, but they knew not to pester him for food and it was a silent flyover. They went back to the job in hand.
A couple of days later on our next visit, they were nowhere to be seen, all the usual roosting spots were empty. We caught a glimpse far across the freeway of one sitting, then hunting and flying off with its prize.
Their time had come to explore the world as fully developed young birds.
It is both a sad and also an exciting time to share their graduation and to farewell them.
Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER - --doesn't mean I'm LOST 
They seemed to develop very quickly this time! And I guess Bronson has the training routine down pat now too!
A splendid series of images! Great that you saw the three together like this! Amazing to think that the next clutch will bring them to 30 (assuming three this time) in under three years!
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Have some thoughts on all this. But I wonder if flying on the first couple of days skilled them up quicker
Also I’m sure unless we missed something he worked them to hunt early. Now that might be as she had already decided on another clutch
We also ponder if she didn’t change males after the first year as their interaction became quite different. Guess we’ll never know.
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A wonderful series of images David – just SO good!
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Hello Eleanor
‘‘Twas the best morning we had with them. They were so committed to the job as not to be frssed by our presence
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A beautiful series of captures David, you have captured them from so many perspectives using their new hunting prowess. There must be a sense of loss having them moving on, when you have become so acquainted with them.
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Hi Ashley
Their first few days in the strong winds had some effect on their development and they coul easy course about the paddock far out from the nest. We hardly had much opportunity with them close in. Only so much paddock we have access to.
I don’t think we are going to miss them too long She is already sitting the next clutch.
A little one bird population explosion
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Hello David,
What a stunning series of images and enlightening observations about these young kites. Truly educational and inspiring work. Well done.
John Renowden
On Mon, 18 Apr 2022 at 15:08, Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER –
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Hello John,
Thanks for dropping by and your kind comments.
We probably shot about 5 times this many on the day, but I think WP viewers have their limits 🙂
Not always that we get them working so close and all in the same area, so it was a bit of a thrill to have the opportunity.
Now the next clutch is already on the way.
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G’day David,
My heart is beating faster when I look at these amazing photos. Your closeness to this family is so inspiring. I can only wait for the Braeside couple to show their offspring sometime, sooner or later. Some patience and finger crossing required.
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Hello Adam, we are all,pretty excited for you too. The can be delightful to work with. And they very quickly pick up the needed skills. good luck with the project
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G’day David
These are great shots….just terrific. Thanks.
Clancy
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