About seven birders showed up for the Springfield kites this afternoon (
4:30 -6:00). We were not disappointed. About 4:40 or so, the juvenile made
an appearance flying and soaring right overhead affording excellent views.
This is the first time I have seen the juvenile fly this much. Later we saw
up to four adult birds flying together at one time,and many over flights of
individual birds. On one occasion an adult did a power dive across the lawn
just across the street, about 4 -5 feet off the ground ! JUST AMAZING !!
Later two of the adults came into the the snag with cicadas, presumably
looking for the juvenile, and then perched for all to see and photograph for
20 minutes or more. It was all very wonderful. This is the very best
opportunity to see Mississippi kites I have ever seen: in Va., or NC, or SC.
--
Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Va.
