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VA falcons and NC SWKI question



Since June-early July is typically a slow traffic time for c-birds, I
thought I might share a few bits about some Virginia birding opportunities.

Nine Peregrine Falcon chicks were hacked recently at Hawksbill Mountain in
Shenandoah NP.  Two of these birds carry satellite transmitters to allow
tracking once they leave the park. We got to see 5 of the birds Saturday,
including the 2 with antennas.  While seeing a Peregrine is always a treat,
five together was impressive.  The birds are 8-10 weeks old, and can fly
quite well.  Most of the birds were "rescued" from nests on bridges over
water.  Apparently the mortality rate due to drowning is quite high for the
bridge-dwelling chicks, so the VA dept. of wildlife removes the chicks
deemed in peril and relocates them to a safer setting.  When not perched on
a rocky outcropping, the birds would swoop, sail, and stoop just yards away.
We watched as one bird folded it's wings and blazed into a vertical stoop
after a buteo several hundred feet below.  Quite a treat even if you can't
count them on your VA list.  The birds are quite easy to see from the
Hawksbill summit, just look for the taped off area with the warning signs.

VA just released a free guide to the coastal portion of the VA Birding and
Wildlife Trail.  The 100 page guide can be obtained by calling 866-VABIRDS.

I may try and see the Swallow-tailed Kites on the Cape Fear next weekend.  I
would pull a 16' bass boat and put in at Lock#1.  My question to those who
have made the trip, is the river through this stretch appropriate for a boat
this size?

Thanks for any info!

Best,
Steve Shultz
Apex, NC