One Swallow Doesn't Make a Summer

You've heard that old saying: One swallow doesn't make a summer. But how about FOUR swallows?

It was a beautiful, foggy, late-July morning. I seized the opportunity to do a quick photo shoot at Millbrook Marsh. The marsh was quiet, nobody there but me.

I strolled out, had a quick look around, and walked back up the boardwalk to discover that the barn swallows were having a morning gathering on the little bridge over Thompson Run.

A few of them were perched on the bridge railing. A number of others were taking turns swooping and diving above the bridge, catching bugs for their breakfast.

They were spiraling around in the air doing some fancy acrobatics. One would land, just as another would take off. I caught a shot of these four looking rather dapper in their blue, gray, copper, and cream sparrow suits, which have all obviously been freshly washed and pressed for the occasion.

The song to accompany this scene of the sparrows' morning meeting on the bridge is Joan and Mimi Baez, with The Swallow Song. It's a very mellow, gentle little tune, full of wonderful harmonies. Have a listen; I think you'll enjoy it.