Swallows

Those of us living within the mountain shadows are often entertained by the antics of birds. Yesterday I was fortunate enough to watch several cliff swallows play tag above my front lawn.  These aerial acrobats were performing perfect snap rolls and zooming through loops beginning about sixty feet above the lawn and then zipping down to skim just inches above the ground.  Then in a burst of amazing speed they would fly back up to repeat the maneuver.

            These birds often nest in concrete culverts and on the sides of cliffs. Unlike most swallows that have scissor shaped tails. Cliff swallows have broad square shaped tails. This does not slow them down and among birds, cliff swallows are one of the fastest and are capable of remarkable aerial maneuvers. 

            In the air they are fearless and often can be seen harassing hawks, crows and other larger birds.  They come up from behind and turn over brushing the undersides of the larger birds with their feet before darting away to come back a moment later and repeat the action.

            Yes, sitting on my deck watching these aerial gymnasts was a real treat that I hope will be repeated soon.

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