We had quite a gully-washer last night, and it hasn't had time to get steamy hot yet. I got to sit out on the patio with my coffee for the first time in weeks. I'm tempted to haul out the kayak, but I can see storm clouds lurking. I hope we find a place to live that I can kayak almost every day. Last night I sat down with the big atlas of landscape maps of New Mexico and drooled over all the big lakes. Not to mention the Rio Grande.

A beautiful mostly white bird swooped into the sky above the parking lot and caught my eye. I no more than eliminated all the usual suspects and thought, "OMG, is that a KITE?" before the swallows mobbed him.

Yes, it was a Mississippi Kite. Wow. I've only seen one or two, although Oxley says we have them along the river here. They are "eastern" birds - so it was a cheap thrill to see this beautiful little grey and white raptor this morning. I don't suppose I'll be seeing them any more where we are going.

Well, I have lots to do today, so I best be going.

Good birding!