[EBB Sightings] Kites and Rats

Birders,

On our Dog-and-Bird-Walk around the neighborhood this afternoon, Skip  
and I watched a family of 4 WHITE-TAILED KITES (2 adults and 2  
recently fledged juveniles) cavorting about in a mini-kettle at  
treetop level, their usual keening calls replaced by hissing sounds.  
I was delighted, but Skip's reaction was uncharacteristically  
subdued, even pensive. Perhaps he's afraid that with so many avian  
ratters in the neighborhood his favorite game of chase-the-rat-from- 
under-the-bird-feeder may come to an abrupt end.

Dennis Braddy and Skip
San Ramon