Re: Swallow movements....   

I find it interesting that many observers have noted large numbers of swallows moving through the region the past couple of days (certainly not unexpected in early March) but there is clearly variation in the species mix.  I get the impression that Cliff Swallows have been the dominant species over the coastal basins, and most reports from the Lancaster area in the Antelope Valley indicate that Tree Swallows were the most abundant species, followed by Cliff Swallow.  Today in Juniper Hills (1000' above the floor of the Antelope Valley, on the north slope of the San Gabriel Mtns.) there was a constant trickle of swallows (about 80 total), but except for a single Cliff Swallow, they were ALL Violet-green Swallows.  I suspect that Violet-greens, being woodland and montane breeders, may take a slightly different route in spring migration, sticking closer to the mountains and being relatively less common over the flat desert areas.  Just curious if anybody else has noted such a pattern.

Kimball Garrett

Juniper Hills, CA