Extracts from Diary of Otto Widmann 69 



rarely, seen along the northern slope, namely the Black 

 Vulture and Mississippi Kite. The former is a cousin 

 of the better known Turkey Buzzard, sharing the same 

 tastes and living the same lazy kind of life, but easily dis- 

 tinguished by its different shape and black head and 

 neck. The contour of the bird on wing soaring above us, 

 often in company of its cousins, is especially marked by 

 broader wings with whitish stripes and a stumpy tail. 

 Its flight differs from that of the Turkey Buzzard by 

 much less soaring and by often repeated flapping of the 

 wings. While a common bird in the southern states, its 

 first acquaintance is a remarkable incident to the visitor 

 from the northern states and contributes to the joy of 

 the newness of experiences. Another surprise to most of 

 us is the Mississippi Kite. It is not unknown along the 

 northern slope of the Ozarks and was even a breeder in 

 the woods of the city of St. Louis thirty-five years ago, 

 but its real home is farther south. It is a great delight 

 to see the handsome bird draw its circles high over our 

 heads when we stand on one of the prominent look-out 

 points so common in the Ozarks with the view of the 

 rows upon rows of long-stretched hills, so characteristic 

 of the region. 



