Sorry this is late, but I had family obligations.   Yesterday, 7/31, my husband 
and I decided to chase some rarities that have been seen lately.  Luck was on 
our side, for we were able to see all our target birds!  The WHITE IBIS was 
still at Merkle Wildlife Area; it was at the edge of Windmill Pond, not actively 
feeding, but pretty sedate when we located it.  Another good bird were at 
least 2 GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS heard and well seen in the field behind the 
visitor center.  Another bird I thought I may have heard but I can't swear to it 
was a COMMON NIGHTHAWK.  Anyone who hasn't birded this spot should go 
there-it is absolutely beautiful and has great birding potential.  The park 
rangers are very friendly and helpful and sincerely care about conserving this 
wonderful habitat for the birds and wildlife.  I was truely impressed!  
Schoolhouse Pond yielded TRUMPETER SWAN #962 and many swallows 
including NORTHERN ROUGH WINGED and BARN.  Our next stop was my favorite 
of all.  We drove to Buckland, Va. to see the MISSISSIPPI KITES that have 
nested -there are great directions posted on the Virginia website.  We were 
able to see an adult in flight, then seen an adult and then a juvenille perched 
in two large trees bordering the field on Buckland Mill Rd.  At one point I 
watched the adult kite eating it's prey by lifting it's talons to it's beak in mid 
flight!  A sensational ending to a sensational day of birding!  Good birding and 
can't wait for fall migration to take full swing!