After literally years of trolling us, the weirdest presumed breeding bird on Cape Cod has finally given up the goods. The huge, unmistakable birds in question, known to nest prominently in the tallest tree around, have somehow hidden definitive evidence of actual nests with chicks in them since at least 2022. Sure, they teased us with various breeding adjacent behaviors – namely copulation and carrying sticks, both in full view of birders with cameras – but no one ever found an actual nest or babies. If you still don't know, I'm of course talking about Swallow-tailed Kites, one of my most frequent topics for years now. And, thanks to long time Cape birder Peter Trimble, we finally have photos and videos of recently fledged chicks!
Mark Faherty is a commentator at The Cape And Islands NPR Station. He focuses on themes related to animal rights, including issues of animal cruelty and the use of animal products. Mark's insights and expertise on these topics have been featured in various discussions and segments on the station.
