Two adult Swallow-tailed Kites have been observed in Campbell County for
three days. A local resident saw what he identified as a Swallow-tailed
Kite on Saturday, August 13. He decided to go back the next day (Sunday)
to see if he could re-locate the bird. The weather was poor that day and
he did not see it again. However, he called me that night to report the
previous day's sighting and I asked if he could meet me at the site the
next day. We arranged to meet at 4:00 pm and when I arrived, he told me
that he had observed TWO Swallow-tailed Kites over the nearby field less
than 30 minutes ago. We drove out to the field, and there they were! We
watched the two birds for almost an hour and I contacted Rexanne Bruno
who arrived in time to see them also. My husband and I went back the
next day (August 16) at 3:00 pm and the birds were feeding over the
field. So, one Swallow-tailed Kite was observed on August 13 (although
Dave Dawson, the person who made the initial report, said that two birds
may have been present on August 13). No birds were found on August 14.
Two Swallow-tailed Kites were observed on both August 15 and 16. All
sightings have been made between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. The birds have
been seen soaring and feeding over a large field.
Directions: The farm field is in Campbell County, off of Long Island
Road (Route 761) about 2 miles from Gladys. From Route 501 traveling
south, turn right on Long Island Road (Rt. 761). Drive 2.2 miles and
turn left at the driveway of a farm that has "For Sale" signs (Remax
Real Estate) on each side of the driveway. Continue on the driveway past
the house, bearing to the right on the farm road. Drive through the
first gate (it is open) and follow the road on across the field about a
third of a mile to the next gate. Park there. The Swallow-tailed Kites
were seen feeding over the fields through which you just drove. The farm
belongs to the McKinney family and they have given permission for people
to come on to their property to look for the kites.
Thelma Dalmas
Evington, VA
