I saw a Mississippi Kite over Cylburn Arboretum (in the Pimlico area of
northern Baltimore City). About noon it soared and circled lazily over the
mansion starting at maybe 200 feet and then circled very high as it moved to
the northeast. I could see a distinctly paler head and bands in the slightly
notched tail indicating this must have been an immature bird.

Since it headed in the direction of Lake Roland, I went over there (on the
still-open east side). I saw a slim raptor disappear low over the trees that
could have been a kite but did not see it well enough to get a real ID.
Later I drove around to scan the area off Bellona Ave near the marshy north
end of the lake, but couldn't get much of a view without doing more
bushwhacking than I cared to do.

This was a long-awaited state bird for me. Locals may remember there was a
Mississippi Kite 3-4 years ago at Cylburn for the May Count, but I was not
there. I have checked out Cylburn midday 3-4 times each May since then in
hopes of a kite, and it finally paid off. I almost didn't go today, but Don
Burggraf's post of possible kites this morning over St Paul St got me
moving. Thanks Don! Maybe this was one of your birds.

Steve Sanford
Randallstown, Baltimore Co