MISSISSIPPI KITE - Southside VA - Saturday, July 9, 2005
The pair of MISSISSIPPI KITE were observed throughout the day. Only today
both were very active and vocal during the morning hours. Between 8:21 -
11:50 a.m. EDST, one bird would circle low over canopy of trees, briefly
land and appear to be directing attention to lower section of trees tucked
further back in from road. The second adult would appear up out of the
lower section of trees, swooping upwards. From upper perch the adult birds
would swoop down into the lower trees. Today was the first time I've heard
any sound from them other than the "whoosh" of the wings of adult male when
he dove on me two weeks ago. The two-syllable call reminded me somewhat of
a phoebe. The first note was more accented with a rising tone; the second
long and somewhat slurred downwards. A few times when the birds were not
seen I was drawn to their location by the call. At approximately 9:30 a.m.
EDST one adult bird was perched in open view and the second adult had flown
down into canopy of trees. From that area I heard two different calls at
same time. The perched adult in plain view was not vocal.
Gathering food was observed during the day with birds returning to same
lower section of trees further back from the road.
Also noted was a pair of WHITE-EYED VIREO constructing a deep open basket
nest that was maybe 2 feet off the ground only a few yards from the road.
Web link to few pics:
http://www.birdsofvirginia.com/image_links/MississippiKite-11_link.htm
Brenda Tekin
Charlottesville, VA
brenda@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Leave behind what you find; if you must take something, take pictures."
Photo journal including Birds of Virginia: www.birdsofvirginia.com
<http://www.birdsofvirginia.com>
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