In summer, Northern Rough-winged Swallows call JITT JITT JITT as they energetically fly up and down the Buffalo National River and streams all over the Ozarks. These are the nesting birds, but that season is over. Yesterday they filled overhead wires in several places while I was birding in the Arkansas River Valley. The low sky over the river itself was also full of swallows. Besides rough-wings, there were Cliff and Tree Swallows, and also a few Barn Swallows. I got decent looks at the birds on wires. With so many there, I’m pretty sure they were taking part in the annual fall migration. They start heading south in late July and August, often in mixed-species flocks. During migration toward the Gulf coast they complete a molt of their flight feathers, then pool up on the coast awaiting north winds of cool fronts for a little push as they head for winter in southern Mexico and Central America. Up on the wires, some were obviously ready to keep flying, others resting. What a journey! I would be resting when I had a chance, too.
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 19:06:18 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015