A large flock of Cliff Swallows (45-50 birds) decided to forage above my
yard & pastures this afternoon. Buzzing adults and downy-headed juveniles
were swirling above the house--several even landed briefly on the roof. They
had all disappeared one half hour later.

I assume that these birds are from the colony which nests on the
Sykesville/Rt. 32 Bridge (about 1.5 miles away). 

Saturday evening, 7 Cliff Swallows flew over the yard. This was so unusual
(new yard bird) that I initially mistook them for Tree Swallows. On Sunday I
checked the colony on the bridge: it seemed very active (35-40 birds) with a
number of adults still feeding chicks. 

My Tree Swallows (2 nesting pairs) threw increasing large parties
(eventually over 50-60 birds) several days before departing on July 4th. I
would guess that the 32 Bridge Cliff Swallows must be preparing for imminent
departure sometime this week.

Felicia Lovelett
Sykesville, MD