Friday, August 29, 2008

And the Barn Swallows fly by

Yes, it is the time of year when we have the most diverse flock of swallows migrating by Jekyll. This migration makes the late summer heat bearable. If you stand in one place, put your hands out & wait one of these swallows will fly by and brush your hands. It does challenge you to select one swallow and figure out what species it is. There are clues. Generally the Purple Martins fly high up. The Cliff Swallows tend to swill around about 10 to 15 feet above the ground. Bank Swallows are close to the ground in groups. Rough-wings Swallows seem to be individual birds.


Yesterday August 28, I joined the new 4-H staff. We talked about birds, especially shorebirds, gulls and terns. It is good to be in a room of eager teachers. While on the beach we talked about beach etiquette. The children of Georgia are going to have wonderful teachers when they come to the Jekyll Island 4-H Center. And the Barn Swallows just keep flying by.


Binoculars were provided by Coastal Georgia Audubon Society.

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