I finely got a chance to get down and check on the annual Swallow staging Spectacle this evening. There were many, many thousands of Swallows over the fields at the usual place in northern Chariton Co. They were gathering and going down to roost in the cornfield on the north side of of the intersection of gravel roads Kaye and Ranch. This is west of blacktop YY.  Best viewing is with a mostly clear sky, and between 6:30 & 7:30 p.m. right now. Should be good for next week or more, weather permitting. If you go to see the Show be sure and park to the side of the roads to keep them clear for the farming vehicles. Can contact me for more info.

I stopped and walked around a short time at the Zell tract on the West side of Pershing SP on the way down. Savannah Sparrows were numerous in the area down south of the big red barn. Marsh Wrens, Common Yellowthroats, Dicksissels, and a few Bobolinks were also down in the vegetation. Saw flock of close to a 100 Pelicans, and flock of 100+ Blue-winged Teal. A Northern Harrier was cruising around and another was down over the Swallow area. A Bazillion Grasshoppers still around. Beautiful evening to be out!!

Later,

Steve Kinder

Chillicothe, Livingston Co.