The identification of Bank Swallows at unusual dates or locations should only
be made after careful consideration that the birds are either immature Tree
Swallows, or first spring (hatched last year) female Tree Swallows. I don't
think everyone knows how brown these Tree Swallows are. In addition, they show
a brown chest band, though typically not as clearly delineated or as dark as
that of Bank Swallows. The similarity of these Tree Swallows to Bank Swallows
is greatly unappreciated. There are subtle differences. I suspect that the
report of Bank Swallows this early from Malheur NWR actually refers to first
spring Tree Swallows. The reports of Purple Martins in late winter this year
also likely refer to first year Tree Swallows.
None of this is meant to be critical of anyone. The identification problem is
just not universally known.
http://www.wbu.com/chipperwoods/photos/treeswallow.htm
Jeff Gilligan
On Mar 25, 2016, at 5:36 PM, Tim Rodenkirk <timrodenkirk@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I don't think my e- mail made it to OBOL? Jesse Laney and the rest of the OSU
bird nerds saw a few Bank Swallows at Roaring Springs ranch between 19-22
March (didn't post exact date)? Would that be a record earliest arrival for
Oregon? Seems about a month early- any other mid- to late March records in
Oregon?
Tim Rodenkirk
Curious in Coos Bay
