Along the north entrance road to Papscanee Island this evening were many swallows.  Most of them were Tree Swallows but a few Barn Swallows and at least one Northern Rough-winged Swallow were also present.  In addition to watching many swallows feeding on the ground (I couldn’t see what they were eating), swooping low over standing water for sips and splashes, and preening on power lines I also observed a couple of aerial battles.  Every time a fight occurred and I could ID the participants they were male and female Tree Swallows.  It made me wonder if the aerial battles are a part of pair bonding for Tree Swallows.

The picture up top is of a male Tree Swallow attempting to get some attention from a female.  After he tried mounting her twice she had had enough and tried to drive him off:

Obviously, the light wasn’t too great but you get the idea.  I spent a good 45 minutes watching the swallows, trying to pick out other species, marvelling at the aerial acrobatics and just generally appreciating the show.

Barn and Tree Swallows at Papscanee Island