Soaring Together: A Swallow-Tailed Kite and a New Conservation Partnership
By Beth Marcino, Director of Development & Communication
On a quiet July morning, a swallow-tailed kite rose effortlessly into the sky, its wings catching the wind in wide, sweeping arcs. For a moment, we all stood still, watching it reclaim its place above the grassy open field, at the tree line just below the massive retention pond. This release wasn’t just the end of a successful rehabilitation. It was also the beginning of a promising conservation partnership.
The swallow-tailed kite was admitted to Peace River Wildlife Center on June 25, 2025, after it was found grounded near RV Griffin Preserve. Fortunately for this striking migratory raptor, it was discovered by Terri Brumfield, an employee of the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority. She recognized the bird was in distress and transported it to our wildlife hospital for help.
At intake, the swallow-tailed kite was alert but underweight and mildly dehydrated. It wasn’t eating on its own, and it needed immediate support. Over the next 21 days, our hospital team provided fluids, anti-inflammatory medication, and nutritional care. At first, it required hand-feeding, but soon it began to eat independently. By early July, the bird was moved to our outdoor flight enclosure, where it quickly demonstrated strong, coordinated flight.
What Makes Swallow-Tailed Kites So Special
Swallow-tailed kites (Elanoides forficatus) are unmistakable in flight. These sleek black and white raptors have long, deeply forked tails that allow them to glide and maneuver with incredible precision. Each year, they migrate thousands of miles between South America and the southeastern United States, nesting in Florida during the summer months. They feed on insects, small reptiles, and amphibians while soaring over wetlands and forests. Their presence is a sign of a healthy ecosystem, and their elegance makes them a favorite among birders and wildlife lovers alike.
Release Day at the Water Authority
The swallow-tailed kite was officially released back into the wild on July 16, 2025. The release took place on protected land managed by the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority. This organization plays a critical role in supplying clean, reliable drinking water to over one million people across Charlotte, Sarasota, DeSoto, and Manatee counties. Just as importantly, they maintain and protect thousands of acres of natural habitat surrounding the Peace River.
A Flight Toward the Future
Our hospital manager and I were invited to visit the release site and were welcomed with a brief tour of the conservation land. As we stepped out of the car, we were greeted by a peaceful scene of deer and sandhill cranes moving across the landscape. It was clear that this land is not only cared for but thriving. Releasing the swallow-tailed kite in this setting felt right. It connected the bird’s story to something much larger.
This experience showed us that our missions align. The Water Authority protects the region’s drinking water through sustainable practices, and in doing so, safeguards habitat for the wildlife we work to rescue and rehabilitate. Terri’s action not only saved a bird’s life but also sparked a connection between two organizations committed to environmental stewardship.
We are incredibly thankful to Terri and the team at the Water Authority for their care, their conservation ethic, and their openness to working together. This release marked the start of a relationship that we hope will grow, just like the swallow-tailed kite that soared above us that morning, strong and free.
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