Lexington, VA 8/17/12

All photos are © Marshall Faintich


Four Swallow-tailed Kites have been reported for about ten days southwest of Lexington, VA. The latest posted sighting was at 9:20 this morning, so Walt Childs and I made the 1-1/2 hour drive each way to look for the Kites. The forecast was for chances of rain in the afternoon, but this species is uncommon here, and we thought the trip worthwhile. We arrived there at 2:45 p.m., and stayed until a little after 5 p.m. However, we didn't see the Kites, even though we found the reported location and also drove around a couple of mile radius from the reported location. It rained for about 20 minutes while we were there, and more birds came out after the rain moved on. We saw 18 species in that area.

American Crow
Baltimore Oriole
Cedar Waxwing
Indigo Bunting
Eastern Phoebe

American Goldfinch
Rock Pigeon
Downy Woodpecker
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Great Blue Heron

House Sparrow
Red-shouldered Hawk
Wild Turkey
Turkey Vulture
Red-winged Blackbird

Mourning Dove
American Kestrel
Tree Swallow




Red-shouldered Hawk


Female Baltimore Oriole


Male Baltimore Oriole


American Kestrel


Wild Turkey


Great Blue Heron


Downy Woodpecker



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