FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] July Birding in Southside (fwd)

[mboater@xxxxxxx]

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Amherst, VA


-------------- Forwarded Message: -------------- 
From: mboater@xxxxxxx 
To: va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxx 
Subject: July Birding in Southside 
Date: Sun, 4 Jul 2004 13:03:32 +0000 

Friday July 2, Adam D'Onofrio and I spent the day scouring 
Dinwiddie, Nottoway, Brunswick and Greensville Counties mostly 
looking for Bachman's Sparrow (which we unfortunately did not 
find although we did find several areas with suitable habitat). 
We were joined on July 3 by Mike Iwanik for mor of the same. 
Though we did not locate any Bachman's or Anhinga (our other 
sought after species), we were treated to some spectacular 
MISSISSIPPI KITE displays. On both days we observed between 
10 and 14 kites in Greensville and Southampton County. Most of 
these birds were concentrated between along Rt 624 between its 
intersection of Rt 730 (Low Ground Rd) and the NC state line. 
Between 1 and 3 pm on Friday, we had at least 12 kites (8 adults 
and 4 immatures) near the bridge on Rt 624, sometimes as many as 
8 kites could be seen in the same binocular field!! On both days, 
we also saw kites at the Meherrin River bridge on Rt 730 and near 
Little Texas. 

Despite not getting any Bachman's or Anhinga, we had a great time 
exploring this under birded area. I can't think of a better way to 
spend early July. Besides,who can complain about having the opportunity 
to see so many kites and study their aerial displays and various 
plumages at your leisure. 

Good Birding, 

Mike Boatwright 
Amherst, VA 
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