As has been postulated recently, the wet and cool spring has likely offset
the breeding plans for swallows (martins) and many other species. This
seems to be a reasonable explanation, and goes a long way as to why we are
seeing less swallows at their nest boxes. So if some at least are skipping
breeding this year, they are out and about elsewhere, which may explain why
Tim R just saw a Bank Swallow down in Coos Bay. It may be we will see a
few more out of place birds like this that normally would be breeding this
time of year. I recently canoed down the Luckiamute River in Polk
County. (
https://variousoregonbirdingpiks.blogspot.com/2020/06/down-luckiamute-river.html)
I have done this many times in the past and have always seen a few pairs of
Northern Rough Winged Swallows both in that river and in the
Willamette where it empties out, but this year only one pair, and these
were much farther upstream than I've seen them in the past. Interesting.
I only saw 2-3 VG Swallows as well. But the Cliff Swallows, which nest
under the various bridges were all well accounted for.
--
Bill Tice
:
Birding - The best excuse for getting outdoors, and, for avoiding chores
