This afternoon at 1:35 p.m., while travelling between my two job locations, I
notice an out of the ordinary shaped raptor overhead and I pulled over for a
better look. It was indeed a Mississippi Kite soaring near the intersection of
Hilliside Rd. & Forest Hollow La./Veranda Dr. in the West Springfield area, not
far off Rolling Road, just north of West Springfield High School. I did have
binoculars in my car and was able to get excellent views both above and below
as the bird soared nicely above and then came down low and swooped up. Great
views of the white head and secondaries! I plan to drive back the side streets
tomorrow to see if there is any potential nesting site in that area.
I'll never travel without binoculars again!
Dave Boltz
Alexandria/Fairfax Co.
