ML618702197

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Continuing; discovered by Jonathan R (5/7). Re-found earlier this morning by Steve N. Thanks, guys!! :)) The largest swallows in the area in comparison to the Northern Rough-winged Swallow (NRWS) and Tree Swallow (TRES). The adult male was glossy black overall; no apparent blue was seen. The female-type had upperparts that’s more off-black/dark gray with dingy gray on whitish underparts with a white undertail; slight mask to a lighter chin. Both sexes had a slightly forked tail, but not as deep as a Barn Swallow. Similar size and darkness to the nearby European Starling (EUST), but not as triangular in flight, and has a smaller and dark bill than the EUST. 1148 to 1158; and was still there when I left – I was still en route when Steve called that he was babysitting them for me while they were perched. Upon arrival, I joined him on the upslope, NW of the Lake, where he had last seen them on a small, straggly tree SW of the bathrooms (33.90408, -118.00774). After a couple minutes of waiting for them to return, we saw them flying back towards the Lake, extremely low on the lawn, then ascended as they approached the water. Flew around the Lake, visible from the SW portion, flying above the NRWS and periodically blending in with a couple, considerably smaller TRES, and larger EUST. Periodically dipped down onto the water, but mostly stayed mid height of the tall Palm on the island. I noticed they vocalized, but I can only discern that they sounded different from the other Swallows, and didn’t sound like the various “fart” sounds from the NRWS and TRES. Very active and erratic flight pattern, but would periodically perch to preen and rest. **possible ID issues; pending review; details to follow in the near future**

Technical information

Model

DSC-RX10M4

ISO

100

Flash

Flash did not fire

Dimensions

1217 pixels x 941 pixels

Original file size

79.75 KB