In North America Snail Kites are listed as Endangered. Their decline is primarily attributed to a lack of their primary food the native apple snail. Boaters, fishermen and photographers who ignore the prominently marked buffer zones areas can also scare the parents off the nests leaving abandoned babies behind.
Taken while out doing nest mortality surveys.
These chicks are 25 days old.
Last edited by Mike Tracy; 05-25-2010 at 08:26 AM.
Most people doing research on those birds terrorize them, have see the people form UF placing transmitters and banding. Both parents and chick get in a high state of excitement.
Understand it is a necessary evil but I strongly feel it is overdone.
All I can say is it does make sad to see anything terrorized. Beautiful image of these chicks Mike and thanks for all the info too. They are gorgeous birds !!!!