Cave Swallows

[John Dole <john_dole@ncsu.edu>]

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