A Birder's Guide to Virginia:   In conjunction with the Virginia Society of Ornithology (VSO), the American Birding Association has just published a guide to finding birds in Virginia. The guide includes description and directions to over 60 Virginia birding hot-spots as well as the common birds to be observed and the rarities to be scouted. Not surprisingly, K.E.ST.R.E.L volunteers are well represented among the book's 38 contributors, including: Harry Armistead, Mary Arginteanu, John Bazuin, Ned Brinkley, Larry Robinson, Don Schwab, Brian Taber, and Bill Williams. You can purchase this indispensable guide for $18.95 (including shipping and handling) from VSO, 520 Rainbow Forest Drive, Lynchburg VA 24502.

      VSO to sponsor Fall Eastern Shore field trip: VSO will sponsor its annual Chincoteague field trip on September 11/13. Expert guides will lead birders on Saturday and Sunday morning. VSO is still able to provide the trip at no cost to both members and non-members. Participants will make their own arrangements for accommodations. For more information call Jerry Via at (540) 951-7692

      Bed, Breakfast and Birding: Eastern Shore Escapes offers getaway weekend packages this fall to enjoy the birds, the beauty, and the relaxed, friendly pace of the Shore. The "Bed, Breakfast, and Birding" weekends are designed for all types of birders, from novice to expert. These weekend packages include: 2 nights' lodging at a bed and breakfast or hotel of your choice, birding walks and lectures Saturday and Sunday by expert birders from K.E.ST.R.E.L, as well a meals and a boating excursion. The "Bed, Breakfast and Birding" weekends are offered throughout September and October in the Chincoteague and Cape Charles areas. For more information call the Virginia Eastern Shore Corporation toll free, 1- (888) VASHORE.

      Apologies to Nottingham Ridge Bed and Breakfast: We send apologies to Bonnie Nottingham of Nottingham Ridge Bed & Breakfast for using the incorrect name of her B & B in our last newsletter.

      Bonnie is a supporter of our Fall Super Bowl of Birding and has a beautiful B & B located south of Cape Charles overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. Bonnie's address is Nottingham Ridge B & B, 28184 Nottingham Ridge Lane, Cape Charles, VA, 23310. (757)331-1010. She welcomes bird watchers!

      K.E.ST.R.E.L fan mail: Mrs. Trader, 3rd grade teacher at North Accomack Elementary sent us this note: "The K.E.ST.R.E.L was a pleasure to read. We were very proud to read about our class. Marcus was thrilled to see his picture! You must have good taste because Marcus has been selected to participate in the art classes for the talented and gifted. I can't wait to visit again because it's always a wonderful experience."

      From the News and Notes' editors: We are so pleased with the contributions of our two recent guest artists that we want to make such contributions a tradition. If you, or someone you know, can contribute line drawings or black and white photos of birds, butterflies, or Kiptopeke scenes, let us know by contacting Mary Arginteanu: snail mail is 3320 Landria Drive, Richmond VA 23225; email is Maryarg@AOL.com.

Available from K.E.ST.R.E.L: We remind readers that we offer:

      Programs for bird clubs and other community groups For more information contact Bill Williams at(757) 229-6095

      A Web page at: http//www.baylink.org/kestrel, (this site).

      Copies of K.E.ST.R.E.L checklists. Checklists for Eastern Shore butterflies, reptiles and amphibians, and dragonflies and damsel flies are available free from Tom Gwynn, 1640 Morris Ave., Norfolk VA 23509. The comprehensive Birds of Virginia's Eastern Shore Checklist is available from Tom for $2.50 a copy.

      Copies of K.E.ST.R.E.L research reports. Three detailed reports of 1996 raptor observations, raptor banding, and songbird banding are available from Tom Gwynn for $3.00 each.

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