Subject: [Tweeters] Six swallow species converge
Date: Thu May 14 09:18:21 PDT 2020
From: Bob Sundstrom - ixoreus at scattercreek.com

Yesterday morning all six Washington swallow species were present at our field along upper Scatter Creek east of Tenino. The big surprise was two Bank Swallows perched side by side on a fence wire. One held a short piece of grass or hay in its bill. Not sure of the significance. Birds of the World doesn't note this behavior as part of courtship.

All the swallow species were feeding low over the field, which is full of blooming wildflowers right now with lots of small flying insects present. No Purple Martins present. The local nest sites in utility poles have been taken by starlings in recent years.

We have about 30 swallow boxes with nests so far this spring, about half now with eggs.

Good birding, Bob Sundstrom

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