We’ve had two young Black-shouldered Kites fledge just recently.
They are still learning the Black-shouldered Kite Play Book and being fed by the male.
However they have developed all the skills to successfully hunt for mice and spend quite a bit of time over the paddocks, holding a position hovering, learning to parachute down with wings held high, and how to drop the legs as they enter the grasses. Just at this stage they weren’t quite mastering the take-away food skill.
This young one had been out in the paddock polishing up its hovering skills, and little wings get a bit tired and it decided to take a break by landing on the fence-line.
Time to turn to page 122 in the Play Book and learn that you don’t land in a Australian Magpie territory, where they too are schooling up their young in the fine arts of finding their own food and territory defence against all comers.
The little Kite was so intent on finding a fine, safe, secure post to rest on that it didn’t at first note the stealth-hunter rising from the grass in full cry.
In the end it crossed the road and rested on the neutral territory of the gate.
Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER doesn't mean I'm LOST 
A terrific series of the interaction, David!
I guess the young Kite has learned a valuable lesson!
Wonderful to view!
Dave N
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Oh no! Poor Kite, I’m sure it’ll learn eventually as most of us have to not mess around with magpies….
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Excellent captures David!
Great burst covering the attack. The Maggie nesting or with young is a formidable opponent. I can personally testify 😊
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What a wonderful series of shots of the action. Good that neutral territory wasn’t too far away.
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Well… I guess the young Kite has now discovered that it has to have eyes in the back of its head – especially when in Magpie territory – and as the old saying goes, “You live an’ learn!” It seems this youngster learnt a valuable lesson, namely: Suss out the landing zone carefully before touching down!
A wonderful series of photos David…!
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An important lesson has been learnt by the young Kite: make sure you have eyes in the back of your head when looking for a place to rest, or at the very least: have a good look around to make sure the coast is clear BEFORE landing..!!!
An awesome series of Action photos thanks David…
Cheers…
Lance
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