After getting a late start this morning, I decided to head to Wilck's Lake.
I thought for sure it was too hot and late in the day for any good
migrants, but as soon as I stepped out of the car I noticed a raptor
soaring high above the lake. My first thought was Osprey because of some
white glistening in sun and the swept back/bent wings, however my
binoculars revealed a MISSISSIPPI KITE. The main identifying features were
the overall drab gray body, large fanned tail, and white tops of the
secondaries. I did not get a good look at the head though. This is the
fifth regional record for this species. The fourth record bird was seen on
May 7th, 2014 by Mike Stinson at the same time and place. I just barely got
a distance picture of the kite's profile as he headed south.
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/65924095@N06/
Checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S23242709
Evan Spears
Farmville, VA
