About 2 years ago we first saw an American swallow-tailed kite on our section of the Edisto River. Last year we saw them about twice and this year we're pretty sure there is a pair nesting nearby. They are beautiful small raptors with striking black and white coloration and a split or swallow tail. They soar over the tops of trees lining open fields and the river and swoop into the trees to catch insect and small lizards, then eat them in the air while flying. The two birds we saw last weekend (early August)flew less than 20 feet over our heads at times. They are the most athletic birds I've ever seen in the wild. I regret I didn't have a longer lens to get in closer but was pleased to get this many close up shots of these beautiful birds.