My wife and I saw a raptor twice last week that may have been a white-tailed
(black-shouldered) kite. We would like some help confirming or refutting this
identification.

Our identification is based on what the bird DIDN'T look like and the guide-
book descriptions of white-tailed kites; neither of us has ever seen one
before.

First, the bird was seen around 12:00 on Wednesday, 8/16 and again around 6:00
PM on Friday 8/18, near the 51st St. Bridge over 520 (which is north of
Microsoft's headquarters).

The bird had an almost white tail with a gray cast in the central tail
feathers. We understand that this is typical of juvenals, and perhaps of
adults, to a lesser degree. The belly and bib were almost complete white,
with perhaps some spotting, which would be consistent with juvenal plumage.

When I saw the bird on Wednesday, the carpal "bull's eye" was not obvious.
However, the bird was backlight, so the wings appeared mostly dark, especially
toward the leading edge and outer primaries. However, my wife believes that
she saw the bull's eye markings more clearly Friday evening.

Neither of us got a good look at the head.

The bird's size was comparable to a male red-tail, although not as bulky.

It's wing set was consistent with a kite, with a slight bend at the wrist, but
not as pronounced as an osprey. It did not have the smooth soaring style of
a red tail, perhaps because it was close to the ground (100+ meters off the
deck). We did not see it do the hovering that is characteristic of hunting.

In summary, the tail and body plumage seem to rule out almost everything else:
Red Tails, including Harlans, Rough Legs, Eagles, Accipiters, and Osprey's.
Have there been any other sightings recently of white-tailed kites in the
area?

Any help would be appreciated.

thanks,

Dean and Ann Wampler
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| Dean Wampler, Ph.D. email: dean at amc.com |
| Applied Microsystems Corp. office: (206) 882-5394 |
| 5020 148th Ave. NE, PO Box 97002 fax: (206) 883-3049 |
| Redmond, WA 98073-9702 USA |
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