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Re: Cave Swallows



John's comments on the nesting of Cave Swallows in culverts reminded me that
the Cave Swallows indigineous to Puerto Rico had a curious "cave".
They constructed their nests on a bridge crane that serviced a 200 ft long
building. Being in PR the building had doorways but no doors. When the birds
entered the building through one of severaly doorways you could see them
turn their heads looking for the crane. Then they would fly directly to
their nests..
                                     Reece Mitchell
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Dole" <john_dole@ncsu.edu>
To: <carolinabirds@duke.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2002 10:34 AM
Subject: Cave Swallows


> Dear Carolina birders,
>
> Enjoyed the posting on Cave Swallows.  The southwestern subspecies has
been
> steadily expanding its range for many years now.  The species was first
> recorded in the U.S. in the late 1800's, eventually becoming a nesting
> species in Texas and New Mexico in the 1900's.  Originally it favored
caves
> which limited its expansion.  Some time around the early 1970's, however,
> it apparently developed an ability to nest in highway culverts and since
> then, the species has really expanded its range.
>
> My interest in Cave Swallows stems from when I lived in Oklahoma.  At the
> time I left in 2000, the species had expanded its range to within 50 miles
> of the Oklahoma border and the race was on to find the first nest in
> Oklahoma.  An Oklahoma nest hasn't been found yet but many folks search
> every spring.  Who knows what the north and eastern limit of the species
> will ultimately be.
>
> What does this mean for North Carolina?  The number of vagrant reports is
> likely to increase along with the population.  As Joshua stated - watch
> those swallows.
>
> John Dole
> Garner, NC
> john_dole@ncsu.edu
>
>