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Nature Link

With Blake Mann

Cave swallows in Ontario

Tuesday, November 26, 2002

More Central American birds have surfaced recently in Ontario. A small invasion of Cave Swallows (Petrochelidon fulva) was evident in Ontario on November 13. At least three birds were noted at Point Pelee by Alan Wormington on that date. Subsequent observations of this species were made at Shrewbury in Chatham-Kent (Dean Ware, Nov. 13), Port Burwell (Dave Martin, Nov. 16), and Niagara Falls, New York (Willie D'Anna, Nov. 16). At least one remained at Point Pelee for a few days, as well as the one on Goat Island at Niagara Falls (USA side).
In early November 1999, a much larger invasion took place. Over 100 birds were seen along the Lake Erie shoreline at various locations. Five birds were first noted at Point Pelee on November 2 by Kevin McLaughlin. He was unsure of identity at first, but later the next day he managed good looks at these swallows at the tip area, confirming his suspicions.
Once the word was out, birders all over southern Ontario were on the lookout. On the evening of November 3, 1999 three birds were found roosting in a garage in Erie Beach. Six birds were found at the Erieau dock (Steve Charbonneau) on November 4. More were found in other locations in Ontario during the following days.
These birds most likely were displaced northwards when an intense low-pressure cell stretching down to Texas developed behind strong southwest winds. The birds continued to move north into Ontario on these winds. When NE winds and rain developed, this forced them to reorient themselves mainly along the Lake Erie shoreline.
Although the most recent invasion was rather small, it was a treat for birders lucky enough to see one of these swallows. It is easy for these swallows to move through undetected, so many probably went through unnoticed.
I did not personally see a Cave Swallow this time, but I did see the birds at Erieau dock on November 5, 1999 during the last invasion. They were foraging around the gravel piles there. I managed to get some "moving" photos (see attached) that turned out rather well considering the fact these are small, fast-moving birds.
The Cave Swallow is rather similar to the Cliff Swallow that summers here. It is the same size and has some similarities in colour. The Cave Swallow can be mistaken for a Cliff if a decent observation is not obtained, especially for an inexperienced birder.
Cave Swallows nest mainly in Mexico as well as some places in southern Texas. There is also a small population in southern Florida.
The first "recorded" observation of a Cave Swallow in Ontario was in April of 1989 by Alan Wormington at Point Pelee. Some recent Cave Swallow photos can be viewed on the OFO website at http://www.ofo.ca"; .