Following are answers to some of the frequently asked questions we've received via e-mail at kitesite@adoptabird.org. The questions are in ALL CAPS, followed by the response:

WILL THE WOODRUFF KITE JOIN UP WITH OTHER KITES OR MAKE THE JOURNEY ALONE?

Kites that leave the U.S. during the usual time, from late July to early September, often seem to travel in small groups (a few to a dozen or more) based on limited observations. At various points along their migration pathway, these small bands probably coalesce into larger flocks, based on observations by people monitoring migrant birds. Because the Woodruff kite left Florida late in the season, it will probably encounter fewer kites than usual along the way. It is likely, though, that it will join with other kites for at least portions of its trip.

OTHER THAN MAN, WHAT ARE THIS KITE'S NATURAL ENEMIES?

Larger raptors, especially owls near the kites' nests or in night roosts. Apart from predation, severe weather conditions, injuries incurred while foraging, and the challenges of migration, especially over water, are possible causes of mortality.

WHAT IS THIS KITE'S ETA AT ITS WINTERING GROUNDS?

Normally, based on past satellite-tracking data, an adult kite leaving Florida would reach its wintering grounds in Brazil anywhere from the beginning of October to early November, with total travel time ranging from two to three months. Juvenile kites with satellite transmitters (young that were hatched that summer) have left Florida as much as six weeks after the adults, traveled at about twice the rate, and arrived on the winter range soon after the adults. Given the Woodruff kite's late departure and unusual situation, it is difficult to predict when it will arrive on the winter range. This might happen as soon as late October or the bird might linger along the way or not travel the full distance. We hope to find out.

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