The Other Coast by Adrian Raeside for March 16, 2012

i think its a reference to the San Juan Capistrano swallows.. they return this time each year..

Here in Ohio we get vultures then the swallows. Both are fun to watch.

Aww, welcome back!

Sweet! So nice to find your house tidy and waiting, after such a long flight.

The swallow arrived here yesterday. With the weather that we have been having they may regret it.

Today’s Birdnote was on the arrival of the Tree Swallows in the Pacific NW. Nice li’l coincidence. Birdnote dot org if anyone wants to have a listen. It’s just a couple minutes long.

IMudd: They’re here all year – the main difference is they flock in the winter and get territorial in the spring.

In a past life as a pest control technician, I would let you know that bird nests are very dirty. Nests can be infested with mites, which will spread. Disturbing an occupied swallow’s nest – not permitted. Best thing is exclusion when the nest has been deserted. Birds, in general, are dirty and need proper sanitation – feathers, feces, etc removed promptly from enclosed areas.

Here in Pennsylvania, we’re welcoming back the robins, flickers, hummingbirds, bluebirds, and American goldfinches.

SaraRundle: In other words, my old colleagues need the money more than the environment needs the diversity. Besides, being such good pest controllers, birds are competition and must be abolished in the name of oligopoly.

Love barn swallows. The dipping, swooping, diving. And the great side benefit is they eat their weight in insects.

I’m hoping to welcome some martins back this year and get them to stay. The tree swallows are already here. Loved this one!