FreeLists / va-bird / [va-bird] Cave Swallows

[Phoebetria@xxxxxxx]

No Cave Swallows were noted on the Eastern Shore this past weekend, as far as 
I can gather from discussions with visiting and resident birders.   However, 
a glance at upstate New York's weekend (580 Cave Swallows at a single site, 
Hamlin Beach, near Rochester) and Ohio's (50 or more) suggest that the strong 
southwesterlies of the past week have sent hundreds or thousands into areas to 
the northwest of Virginia.   Cape May has had only a trickle of Cave Swallows 
so far this season, but observers there expect to see dozens materialize on 
cold fronts in weeks to come, as the pattern of recent years continues to 
strengthen.   Virginia birders should keep an eye on all swallows for the rest 
of the 
year, as counts of tardy Northern Rough-winged and Barn Swallows have also 
been very high to our north this year (and both have been routinely seen into 
late October in Northampton County this year).   One may have the good fortunte 
to see a dozen or more Cave Swallows in a day here on the coast (and probably 
a few inland, too) in coming weeks, but remember that this species is still a 
Review Species for the VARCOM, and that the Secretary would welcome 
photographs, videotape, or written details on Cave Swallows wherever reported 
in 
Virginia.   Contact Sue Heath at sheath@xxxxxxx if you have documentation that 
will 
help clarify this species' status in Virginia.

Ned Brinkley
Cape Charles, VA