Swallow-tailed Kite in Watonwan County
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'Accidental' in Minnesota - Five or fewer records in Watonwan County for the Fall season

A SWALLOW-TAILED KITE has been observed just east of Madelia in Wantonwon County since August 22nd and it was still present today. All observations have been within a quarter-mile stretch of state highway 60/15 between the exits for highways 15 and 3. The best place to see the bird is near the BP gas station at the southbound entrance to highway 60 from county road 3. This would be the state's 18th record of Swallow-tailed Kite since 1900 but the fourth since 2000. With an increase in records in recent years, this species's status in Minnesota will probably change from Accidental to Casual.

Molly Tranel
Leah Carlson confirmed the identification of this bird on 8/25/08 and provided a camera for documentation of the bird.