A Tale of Two Kites -- Chapter 2: Battle of the Raptors
After watching the pair of Black Kites for some time, I decided to name the birds. The male Kite was called 'Zen', and the female one 'Tai'. The words mean 'husband and wife' in Cantonese.
During this time, there was another Raptor in the vicinity. It was a Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo). The Buzzard was smaller than the Kites. Its tail was shorter too. It liked to perch alone on a branch for a long time. I like this bird.
The Kites and the Buzzard had several conflicts during the time Zen and Tai were building the nest. One day, the Buzzard flew above the Kites towards a tree he usually perches on. Zen and Tai rose and intercepted the Buzzard. They attacked the Buzzard's back with their talons. The Buzzard escaped.
Another time, the Buzzard perched on a tree, but Tai came and pursued him to the other side of the hill. The Buzzard fought back, but he lost and flew away. Another time, the Buzzard perched on a tree, but Tai came and pursued him to the other side of the hill. The Buzzard fought back, but he lost and flew away.
The next morning, Tai again chased the Buzzard around the hill. The Buzzard never won, but he keeps appearing around the hill. I reckon the battle between the three raptors would probably linger on for a long while.
Etta 05-03-2001
