On August 1, I was surprised and excited to see swallows lining up on the utility wires in the Scotch Settlement, York County, area. I haven't seen this behaviour in many years and I was very happy to witness it this year. There were about 100 birds of 3 species (Cliff Swallows, Tree Swallows, Barn Swallows) cavorting around and vying for what appeared to be preferred positions along the wires. They were actively flying to and from the wires and going afield only to return quickly.
There was obviously much excitement among the birds. It did not seem to matter which species lined up closely to which. They appeared to all be getting ready for something exciting. At one point an American Bittern flew across the road and a few swallows took after it and either chased or accompanied it across the field and out of their gathering place. That looked like a squadron of jet fighters escorting an enemy plane out of protected air space.
Late July through September is the preferred time of departure of 'our' swallows. Cliff Swallows depart after the nestlings fledge which has happened in that area. Their departure is listed as early August through early September. Barn Swallows depart from late July onwards with the migration departure peaking from late August to early September. Tree Swallows depart a bit later with most leaving in September. Cliff Swallows migrate to southern Brazil and south-central Argentina. Barn Swallows go mostly to South America as far south as central Chile and northern Argentina. Tree Swallows migrate to the southern US, Central America and the Caribbean. Looking at their destinations, you can see why the Cliff and Barn Swallows leave earlier than the Tree Swallows. They have much farther to go!
Migration is an amazing and interesting phenomenon. I am thankful these swallows come to New Brunswick to breed, raise their young and enjoy the habitat our ecosystem provides. Our declining insect populations is a concern. There is increased mortality in young swallows partly because of shrinking food supplies, the insect population. We must protect the nesting sites of these birds and encourage them to spend their short summers with us. We also must follow regulations against pesticides and pollution in order to protect the swallows and other inhabitants of our environment (including ourselves).
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