Date: 8/6/25 6:37 pm From: Leon Book <leonbook...> Subject: Swallow-tailed kite!
After two reliable reports of the presence of a swallow-tailed kite (STKI) at Apple Creek CA in extreme northern Cape Girardeau County, I decided to chase as it would be a MO Lifer and, it turns out, a Cape County lifer as well. Experienced birders Allen Gathman and Mark Haas provided directions: stop at the first parking lot on the road down to the boat ramp and look for the trail head off to the east (right). It leads over the steep hill to the east wetland where they had seen the STKI this morning (wed, Aug 6). After seeing several Mississippi kites (MIKIs), I glimpsed the black and white kite flying in front of the tree line on the east side of the nearly dry wetland basin, then again soaring over the tree line on the "back" side. No photo opps! Then it joined the MIKIs soaring over the wetland basin proper, and I managed a few photos to confirm the ID.
The wetland basin itself held a large mixed flock of long-legged waders, including several "calico" little blue herons (LBHEs) molting from juvenile to adult plumage. The woods around the parking lot and on the climb and descent of the large hill also yielded several woodland species, including yellow-billed cuckoos (YBCUs).
Be advised: it's a fairly rigorous climb and descent, but the trail/service road is decent. Still, rubber boots are recommended as there were muddy patches despite the recent lack of rain and scorching temperatures. The mosquitoes were also very intense and HUNGRY! They ate right through the repellent I had sprayed on my pants and long-sleeve shirt. I neglected to put any repellant on my hands and suffered the consequences.
Readers can find the eBird checklist here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S265529970 Good birding, everybody!
Leon BookCape Girardeau County
------------------------------------------------------------
The Missouri Birding Society's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
