Suwannee Scout Takes Flight

A New Chapter in Swallow-tailed Kite Conservation

​​In a beautiful culmination of years of conservation and community collaboration, a new Swallow-tailed Kite named Suwannee Scout now soars over the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge — her journey tracked by scientists, students, and bird lovers alike.

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A Legacy of Tracking and Conservation
The story began in 2019 when the Avian Research and Conservation Institute (ARCI) partnered with the Friends of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys Refuges to track Swallow-tailed Kites, once widespread across the Mississippi Valley but now limited to a fraction of their former range. Using satellite telemetry, researchers monitored the incredible 10,000-mile migration journey of these birds to Brazil and back.
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The first bird, affectionately named Suwannee, became a Refuge icon. Even after its transmitter was believed to be defunct, it miraculously “called home” again in 2022. By then, a second bird — Suwannee 22 — had joined the research effort, outfitted with a tracker sponsored by Friends in 2022. Her brush with Hurricane Debby in 2024, surviving a flight through the storm’s eye, captured national attention and inspired a Collier County school to get involved.

Enter Suwannee Scout
In July 2025, the newest chapter began. Thanks to Parkside Elementary School’s dedicated science teacher, Mr. David Ware, and his curious students, the school raised over $1,300 toward a new GPS tracker. Partnering with Friends and the Florida Ornithological Society, they helped fund the remaining cost of tagging a third kite: Suwannee Scout.

On a humid June morning, a skilled team — including ARCI’s Gina Kent, researchers from the University of Florida, and a glove-trained Great Horned Owl named Gracie — succeeded in capturing and tagging a Swallow-tailed Kite at an active nest site on the Refuge’s southern end. Within 30 minutes, Suwannee Scout was fitted with her lightweight tracking device and released back to her territory.

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​The students of Parkside Elementary School named her through a contest and now eagerly track her movements as part of their science curriculum. From breeding territories to wintering grounds, Suwannee Scout offers real-time insights into migration, ecology, and conservation — turning birdwatching into immersive education.

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A Model for the Future
This project exemplifies what’s possible when science, education, and community engagement come together. As the students monitor Suwannee Scout’s journey across continents, they also learn about ecosystems, geography, climate, and cooperation.
The work continues. With each migration season, these tagged birds help conservationists understand the challenges Swallow-tailed Kites face, and how we can better protect their habitats.
You can follow Suwannee Scout’s journey and support the program by visiting the Friends’ Wish List. Long may she soar.

More history of kites on the Refuge