Have any of you Northern VA birders who traverse the Springfield-Franconia
Parkway seen (what I believe to be) a Mississippi Kite? I have seen this
particular bird at least twice this week, and possibly a third time this
morning, and once a couple of weeks ago hovering above the power lines in
Kingstowne. My best view was yesterday (Thursday) afternoon between Rolling
Road and Backlick Road. Although I had my binoculars in the car, I was going
about 40 MPH and accelerating when it crossed the Parkway. It had a nearly
white head, dark upper wings, and its wingbeats were very deep and fluid. I
believe it's tail was about the same color as its wings, but I wouldn't swear
to that. It was not an Eagle in any plumage. It has very long wings, but
narrower than a buteo.
Dave Boltz
Alexandria, VA