I almost dropped my binoculars in the Tidal Basin when I saw two Tree  
Swallows flying around over the 3/4 frozen Tidal Basin in DC.  One of  
them was being based by a Ring-billed Gull and was being matched turn  
for turn - pretty impressive flying by the gull.  The swallows were  
probably 20 feet from me at their closest and then disappeared down  
the far side of the Tidal Basin.  Spring is coming, but isn't this a  
bit early for them??

Cheers,
Steve Hersey
Washington, DC