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 ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]