Another bird with a scientific name as long as my arm! The Cliff Swallows remind me of some of the martins we have in Australia, having a other-than-black rump. I don't think I had paid much attention to the pale patch at the front of their heads until today. I saw several flying directly towards me and it really stood out. When flying with other swallows, it is the pale, slightly rufous rump that quickly identifies them (in this area at least!). With the Cliff Swallows Jeff & I saw yesterday were Bank Swallows, Barn Swallows, Tree Swallows and Northern Rough-winged Swallows. All of these were together in a large mixed flock at Glacial Park in McHenry County. I find it interesting that the Bank, Cliff and N. Rough-winged Swallows are all listed as uncommon in the Chicagoland area and yet I see all on a regular basis. Is it possible they are becoming more numerous - or am I just looking harder??
The Cliff Swallows were frequently landing at a small muddy puddle of water, presumable picking up mud to build nests in the area. I will have to return to see if I can see where their nests are. One thing is for sure: there are no cliffs in the area!
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