Subject: White-tailed Kite........
Date: Nov 27 20:29:33 2000
From: MBlanchrd at aol.com - MBlanchrd at aol.com


In a message dated 11/27/2000 6:38:30 PM Pacific Standard Time,
gerald at e-z.net writes:

<< Have seen White-tailed Kites in central valley of Calif. but didn't know
they ranged this far north till refuge personnel mentioned to me that one was
seen most of the winter in this location several years ago. Guess this is the
northern limit of theirarea. >>

Not necessarily so, sir. White-Tailed Kites nested successfully in at least
two locations in Thurston County, WA in 1999 and have been seen as far north
as the Skagit River. Just two days ago I saw five of them flying in the Black
River area south of Littlerock, WA.
And, although I cannot quote the citation, I believe the AOU finally decided
to call them "White-Tailed Kites" officially. But who knows, perhaps they'll
change their minds again and go back to Black-Shouldered. Maybe we should
call them White- Tailed Black-Shouldered Red-Eyed Kite and cover all the
bases.
Michelle
MBlanchrd at aol.com
Oly, WA