The barn swallows are back, by the hundreds. Remarkable acrobats in the air. They are checking out the eaves on the farm buildings looking for nesting sites. They fly in really close and check me out - within a couple of feet. Swooping and diving, banking and soaring - it is a sight to see. Already tonight most of them have moved on, but a couple of pairs will stay and nest here.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/67/162900840_a74c3840da.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1028/771020286_6082489498_o.jpg

That's a killer flight shot, Mike. Flash is good.

Great photos, but they aren't mine. Those little guys move too fast for me.

Today we have tree swallows showing up, and the trees are full of chattering evening grosbeaks.