Down in Bond Swamp near Macon on Friday. Though none were singing I did hear the distinctive chipping of a Swainson's warbler where I had numerous birds this spring. A couple of weeks ago I heard 4-5 SWWA singing in one afternoon at this spot. Also saw white ibis, anhinga, and a Mississippi kite that swooped by on the Ocmulgee river, landed in a nearby tree, then dropped to the river bank to drink and bathe. Pretty good look! The person I was with needed SWWA and MIKI as life birds. They went home happy.

Canoeing the Ogeechee river last week near Oliver in Effingham county I saw a number of swallow-tailed kites (8 sightings, 4 individuals seen at the same time so at least 4). No confirmed juveniles. Also saw lots of Mississippi kites, up close looks at anhinga (within about 20 feet). Heard one Swainson's warbler. The usual other suspects.

Canoeing the Savannah river a couple of weeks ago (doing some breeding bird atlas work) below Augusta in Burke county saw no swallow-tailed kites, lots of Mississippi kites, no certain Swainson's warblers. The area was very birdy though, lots of the usual stuff (hooded warblers, acadian flycatchers, Louisiana waterthrush, etc. etc.). One bird that has really vanished this June and July has been the Kentucky warbler. Though I've seen a few in recent weeks I haven't heard one sing in probably a month. Anyone else out there still hearing them?

Nathan Klaus