Prince and Princess of the Pines

I have regularly been spotting and hearing Mississippi Kites the past several weeks. They do have a distinctive call and silhouette in the sky.

I had to go no farther than my backyard to take these photos. I’ve been hearing the high pitched kite call so grabbed my binoculars and quickly spotted a Mississippi Kite at the top of a pine tree across the fairway. This raptor has the prettiest face! And such a stately presence too, right? 

I used my monopod to steady the long shot. Should have used the tripod for better stability but these are decent after some Snapseed editing. 

There was a second Kite that landed on the branch. Looks like the two are having a relaxed chat.