The colony of Cliff Swallows that nests on the Rt. 32 bridge in Sykesville
has been hanging out over my farm and the surrounding parkland all day.
Around noon, over 40 adults and juveniles were perched on the peak of my
barn roof. Unfortunately I was on my way into Baltimore and couldn’t stay to
get photos or video this time. At 5 pm, the colony was still foraging high
over the scrubland.

The bridge colony always visits here for up to a week after the chicks have
fledged. I imagine that the fledglings are building up strength during this
period. This year, I’ve sighted 12-15 birds daily since Sunday (7/17), but
no large gatherings until today. Two checks at the bridge since then have
revealed no swallows.

I often wonder where and how the Cliff Swallows travel from here. I assume
that they head for wetlands on the Eastern Shore, but wonder if they go
there directly or if I they take a slower meandering route. This is probably
something that will remain a mystery.


Felicia Lovelett
Sykesville, MD

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