All - Thanks to the sharp eyes of two, local birders, we have located 2
Swallow-tailed Kites in Rockbridge Co. If my information is correct, this is
the first record of STKI in the county since 1890. The birds have been hanging
out near Oxford Presbyterian Church in southern RC since Friday. I was able to
get some ok photos of the birds today (birds in flight is not one of my
photographic strengths). You can see the photos at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vmibiology/
If you are interested in finding the birds, take RT 251 south from Lexington
about 5 miles. Just after 251 crosses Buffalo Creek, it turns to the right and
goes to Collierstown. At that point, continue straight on Kyger's Hill Rd
(follow the sign to Oxford Pres. Ch.). You will stay on Kyger's Hill Rd. for
about 2 miles. The church is to the right off of Kyger's Hill Rd, but at the
intersection to go to the church, you can pull off the road and look for the
kites.
Dick Rowe
VMI Biology
