A blue jay squealed and all the birds went quite, so I knew something was soaring overhead. Found 2 small/medium hawklike birds moving very fast. At least one appeared to have a white head and a black tail or at least the end of the tail was black. Thought they might be kites, so ran in for camera and only got one usable shot. Mississippi kites have been seen around here lately. Is that what I have here?
Yep, Mississippi Kite, probably a one-year old bird moulting into adult plumage.
Resin
Thank you! I was pretty sure that was it, but that black tipped tail was a bit confusing -- moulting makes sense. It's not a lifer but it's a new backyard bird! I'm at 90 species in/from the backyard now. Not too shabby for a home in a major metropolitan area.
