Following up on my earlier posting from Bob Augustine regarding the
locations where he saw Mississippi Kites yesterday, I went back about 3:30
this afternoon to see if I could locate them again. I found no kites at or
near the swim club location. I then drove up to check the Rolling Rd and
Braddock Rd.location. I parked in the office park across from the Exxon
station on Rolling Rd. I then walked down to the intersection with my
binocs, camera and scope. I was able to observe and photo a soaring adult
kite with molt in both wings. From the photos I believe this bird is a male
(significant rufous on the upper surface of the outer primaries). I was
also able to get a good scope view and decent photos of a kite perched at
the top of a tall tree across Braddock Rd., near where the adult was
soaring. This bird was clearly a fledgling, hatch-year, juvenile kite. It
had wide brown stripes on the breast and neck. Even though we have not yet
found a nest, The presence of this juvenile bird, essentially confirms a
nearby nesting. This location is very near where Bob and I confirmed a
Miss, Kite nesting 3 or 4 years ago. If it is not raining, and perhaps even
sunny, tomorrow afternoon, I plan to go look for these kites again. .
--
Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Va.