CLOSED: Large Bird - What is it?

Menlo Park, CA

Here in Menlo Park, California, we suddenly have several large birds that frequent the tip-tops of our (and our neighbors’) redwood trees each evening. We have no idea what they are and, in fact, have never seen birds like this frequent our neighborhood in three decades of living here.

In flight, they are white (or at least very light in color) when viewed from below – except only for some darkish highlights on the lagging edges of their wings. When sitting perched they seem to communicate with an unearthly low-pitched sound – like some combination of a screech and a guttural utterance.

Any idea what kind of birds they are? Thanks in advance for your help!

Thumbnail by tomkeelin
Marlton, NJ

Here is what I was thinking. White-tailed Kite

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-tailed_Kite/id

Menlo Park, CA

Thanks for your thought. I think you may be exactly right. They were very active in our trees last night. Here are some better photos:

http://www.keelin.com/Collage_v2_Sm.jpg

Do these photos tend to confirm or disconfirm that these are large birds are white tailed kites?

Thumbnail by tomkeelin
Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a)

Yep, White-tailed Kite; recently fledged juveniles.

Resin

Menlo Park, CA

OK. It's settled. Thanks everyone!

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