Wayne W. wrote -

<<<> In my experience, unlike Keith's, Barn Swallows do not begin to
>sing nearly as early as Violet-green or Tree Swallows (the latter two
>are the earliest components of the "dawn chorus", starting up before
>Robins), and they usually do it from a perch, rather than in flight,
>until it gets lighter. I am unaware of pre-dawn singing in Cliff,
>Bank, or N. Rough-winged Swallows.
> I am surprised how little-known this phenomenon of pre-dawn song
>in swallows seems to be. Perhaps there just aren't too many birders
>afield at 3:30 to 4:00 AM (or earlier, if you happen to live in Prince
>George).>>>

Generally 0315-0330 in Prince George, Wayne, at least at my place where
a pair of V.G.s have taken up residence this year. I first ran into
this when I lived in Richmond, BC about 1979. I think the male V.G.
was actually roosting in our unused chimney during the summer
then. He would start chirping from the chimney and the sound would
resonate through the whole house. Then he would start circle flights
over his territory which would last for a good hour. The female
invariably joined in if the weather was good enough to leave the eggs
for a while.

As for them being the first up before dawn, I think V.Gs and Alder
Flycatchers wake up at the same time in Fort Nelson, BC, followed by
robins.

----
Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jbowling at direct.ca