A black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris) perches on a greyish branch against a mottled background. The red eye of this Australian raptor is marked by a black comma. Its nostrils, legs and feet are yellow. They are a very pale grey above, with pure white head, body and tail, with black shoulders. The wings are white underneath, with black wing tips and an 80-100 cm wing span. Females are larger than males. The Black-shouldered Kite is found throughout mainland Australia, often seen hovering mid-air, using rapid wing beats, their feet dangling. They vocalise a harsh wheezing 'scaarrp'; also clear 'chee' calls in flight and while hovering. Image Credit: Australian Museum, Creative Commons
I had a deadline on a big writing project.
“It’ll be done by Xmas,” I said, only half believing it possible.
But, inspired by the music & flight of my wild feathered friends
I got it done.
With gratitude to them all,
especially the black-shouldered white kite.
#BlackShoulderedKite #OzBirds #Writing
