I’m not sure if this is an official group name for this bird? But if it isn’t, it should be. The last couple of days have been glassy and perfect for paddling. The tranquil state of the water and air encourages me to slow down, breathe deep, and yields special delights afforded only by calm water: observing the widening V that marks the direction of a paddling pelican; watching aeronautical flight activity reflected in the water’s surface; and, when I stop, hearing the soft feathery movement of air as strong and purposeful wing strokes pass overhead. As I completed the half way mark of my regular circuit, I could sense several sets of observant and piercing eyes passing judgement on my presence. These eyes belonged to 8 whistling kites: festooned like over-large autumn leaves and the last vestiges of life on slender and naked branches. Their bodies looked puffed and warm in the early morning coolness, with only the slightest movement of their head as they watch me glide past. This contrasted with my awkward neck craning as I attempted to keep them in my vision. They are silent sentinels at this time of the morning, reserving their evocative whistling for later work and wheeling. This is my Mannum noise and a frequent accompaniment to my desk work: a sound I should tape for posterity.
Ps A little cheating here … this photo is from an earlier boat trip.