Cliff Swallows nested successfully at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in northern Westchester County in 2006 and 2007. Then in 2008 and 2009 they didn't, for whatever reason. So I hadn't been on the lookout for them this year, but I don't think I would have overlooked them. So it came as a suprise to me today to see Cliff Swallows at the reservation. My first thought was post breeding dispersers. Then I observed something interesting. They -- up to 6 at a time -- were coming down to a stream bank and picking up mud, presumably to build nests. And there was a lot of activity on the side of the big barn that was previously used for nesting. Putting 2 and 2 together, it appears to me that the birds just arrived and are beginning to nest at this seemingly late date. I can't help but wonder what their story is over the last few weeks, but I'm happy to see Cliff Swallows apparently nesting again at Pound Ridge.
Steve Walter Bayside, NY -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html 3) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
