high-flying swallows

The weather turned cooler but the only notable effect on local bird life was a surprising movement of Tree Swallows -- not thousands that move along the coast in late August or early September but definitely many dozens, perhaps even hundred of birds -- all flying high and moving in small groups over the creek. There were several Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers around as well as some Eastern Phoebes and many Yellow-rumped Warblers with associated American Goldfinches and House Finches. Once again there were few sparrows to be seen -- as if most of them had moved on with few new arrivals to replace them.

Eric Salzman