Ed,

I have been watching late summer swallows at Sea-Tac on an incidental basis
since 2001, enjoying the large numbers of family groups that used to
congregate on the west side perimeter fence each summer. I always looked
forward to their pre-dispersal numbers. I estimated this annual mixed
species swallow flock to be in excess of 1,200 birds.

However, over the years, this number has decreased markedly and I doubt
there are now more than 100 that gather there anymore. I will make sure to
count them this week.

Even here on the Samish Flats, there are far fewer swallows than normal.

Like you, I find it incredibly depressing to even think of the possibility
that we could lose our swallows.

As to causes, I think one of the most logical avenues of thought would
involve the famous decrease in insects that is being reported these days.

Maybe we could hear from any swallow biologists out there.

Anybody?
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