Hi all you MIKI fans out there.
I saw 2 by first looking South past the Canterbury Woods Swim and
Tennis Club, just over the treeline. Too much glare
from the sun. (9:15 am)
Note: There is a trail hook up into the woods at the lower parking
area of the tennis courts.
After the bridge overhanging a stream, turn right onto a
walking trail that cuts straight through the center of the woods..
The birds seem to have started to rise from a point about
100 yards down that trail. Perhaps the nest is there somewhere.
I was told that this trail leads to Wakefield Chapel Rd.
Perhaps this might be a nice birding area in the future;
especially if a MIKI nest can be found there..
Turn left from Southhampton Ln onto Canterbury drive and immediately
park. Start scanning on your right and overhead.
At this point I saw three kites soaring either over head, or just to
the north over the tree line. Great views.
Assuming that this is a separate group from the Sydenstrycker kites;
that would make 7 kites in the Springfield\Burke area.
It is curious that we don't see them at other sites around the northern
Virginia area.
Hope everyone gets a chance to view these wonderful aerialists.
Naturalist-at-large,
Stuart Kent Merrell
