I didn't have vast multitudes of swallows similar to what that Scott
Pendleton found in Harrison County. But I ventured out on our open-field
upland "bluebird" trail, suspecting that the May-like weather (86 today
according to our thermometer) brought out enough bugs to prompt the arrival
of tree swallows to the uplands. It was true, as at least four tree
swallows were swooping around the "back forty," which is actually seven
acres of successional field habitat. I have seven "bluebird" boxes out in
our pasture and fields, and every year I do battle with the house sparrows,
which requires vigilance, persistence, and a certain recognition that
sometimes Passer domesticus wins. (I try to make that not too often.) They
started nesting early this year, since 40 North latitude is looking more
like Alabama this March. So, I cleaned three sparrow nests out of the boxes
(no eggs yet.) I was relieved to find a pair of actual bluebirds setting up
house in Box Number 7, the furthest out on the tributary ridge. Then I
heard the swallows overhead, and watched their aerial antics for about
fifteen minutes. Delightful!

Every year, tree swallows return to our upland somewhat later than their
first appearances in the rest of the state. I reckon this is because the
food (insects) appears first over water, and we have no permanent wetlands
or ponds, just some vernal pools and seasonally boggy areas around seeps
and springs, and of course the mud around the barns. Anyway, they are back,
and it's always great to see their arrival.

It's a little strange to see the fruit trees blooming before the equinox...

Bob Evans
Geologist, etc.
Hopewell Township, Muskingum County

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