On this first snowless day since I returned to our Littleton farm, two tree swallows circled overhead, the first "summer residents" of the year. Having wintered along coastal areas of the southern U.S. or in Mexico, they begin to return to more northern latitudes in early spring, well ahead of other swallows.
The first to arrive are primarily males, searching for nest sites that they will claim and offer to potential mates when they return; tree cavities, crevices in outbuildings and "bluebird boxes" are most often utilized. Since wintry weather will recur along the Front Range through April (at least), such an early appearance is risky for a bird that feeds primarily on flying insects; fortunately, they manage to survive the cold spells by strafing the surface of rivers and open lakes for insects and by supplementing their diet with seeds and berries.
The appearance of these small, energetic, hardy birds is always a welcome sight after a long, cold winter. Their "faith" is inspiring, especially as spring snowstorms continue to lash the region.
