When I first moved here four decades ago, Violet-green Swallows were all over Seattle. I have noted their steady decline, especially in recent years. I have mentioned before that both V-g and Barn Swallows were daily visitors to the air space over our house 20 years ago (also Vaux's Swifts), but I rarely if ever see any of them now.

Violet-greens nest(ed) all over the urban area, presumably in crevices and holes in buildings. I doubt if there was ever a time I was in the U district or just driving around town that I didn't see Violet-greens, Barns less often. Now, most such excursions are swallowless (gulp). Have all the holes been filled (or taken up by starlings and/or House Sparrows)? Has the flying insect population declined that much (quite possible)? Or is there some other cause for this decline?

Are these swallows also declining out in the countryside, or just in the city(cities)? I honestly don't know. Actually, I guess I do know. From looking at the Breeding Bird Survey data, V-gs have actually increased as a breeding species in most parts of Washington in the last 55 years. Barns, on the other hand, have decreased in that same period.

It's enough to have you scratching your head in puzzlement.
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Dennis Paulson
1724 NE 98 St.
Seattle, WA 98115
206-528-1382
dennispaulson at comcast.net



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