148. Bank Swallow

Date         August 6, 2004

Location    Prairie Oaks metro park, Columbus, OH

The flood of new birds -- or at least the consistent acquisition of new birds -- had finally slowed down in the dog days of summer, 2004. But it was about to pick up again in the coming fall migration.

The mudflats area of Prairie Oaks at this time was perfect for attracting shorebirds. Over time, the area would dry out during drier periods, allowing vegetation to grow, then refill when it rained or snowed a lot. It eventually became mostly a pond. A very reedy pond, to be sure, but no mudflats left after about 10 years.

What brought me here on this day was a report of nesting King Rails (discussed in the next post). While I was waiting for her to come out, I identified some Bank Swallows flying in the area. This completed all the common eastern swallows for me.


Cornell: Bank Swallow