VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Mississippi Kites, small birds of prey, are back at Vance AFB. The birds are aggressive and protective of their young and are known to dive at people who venture near their nests; Vance personnel are warned to be cautious around the birds from now to mid-August.

"The majority of the birds are used to people, but some are still aggressive. They only attack people when chicks or eggs are in the nest," said Mark Buthman, the Environmental Coordinator for Vance AFB.

"To protect yourself from attack, the best thing to do is wear a hat," said Mr. Buthman. "If you're nervous about the birds, hold something like a stick or an umbrella above your head." Avoiding the nesting areas is another method for avoiding attack.

The kites are gray and average 12 to 14 inches in length. There have been kite sightings around the library and track. To report a kite attack, call Civil Engineering at 213-7555. 

Mississippi kites are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and state regulations. It is illegal to take, possess, transport, sell or purchase kites or their parts, eggs or nests without a permit. 

The birds migrate to South America for the winter and come to the southern portion of the United States to lay their eggs. The birds return to the same nest each year.