ML644952175

Observation details

Cave swallows were noted in the region with 136 southbound individuals counted at the Cape May Hawk Watch on 11/6 and 5 individuals on 11/7. Several Chester County birders scouted for CASW on 11/7 with no luck. Ross posted up at Marsh Creek Saturday morning and was rewarded as he located the high flying CASW! Thanks for calling me (multiple times), getting through my do not disturb, and waking me up! Arriving home late Friday evening from out of town, I was very happy to have the chance to see these birds! I quickly threw on clothes and drove out to Marsh Creek where Ross and family, Zach B., and Barry B. were posted up at the entrance jug handle. The CASW were flying mostly above tree line on the northeast side of the lake above the 'chapel' as we called this landmark. Ross got me on the bird as it flew left next to a tree swallow. In flight, the CASW were smaller with more dainty flight than the larger and more direct TRES. The brownish/orangish throat and undertail helped differentiate these birds against the more striking white ventral side of nearby TRES. When banking, the orange rump patch was notable. Poor, but diagnostic, photos attached.