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nc Ia. | http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/swallow/News.html Haven't seen any in nc Ia yet, here's a lot about what I didn't know about them.
Migration and Annual Cycle
Barn Swallow
January
Virtually all barn swallows are in South America now, finishing up their body and flight feather molts before migration begins.
February
Most American Barn Swallows are in South America. The very first breeding birds reach southern California and Texas. Some early migrants pass through Mexico. They are almost done molting.
March
Most migrants pass through Central America. Some reach central states. They are done molting in time for most of their migration and their breeding cycle.
April
Barn swallow migration peaks in central states, starting to breed in South. Some are reaching northern states and southern provinces.
May
Peak migration in northern states and provinces, reach Alaska, breeding in much of range. First babies are hatching.
June
Peak nesting--most baby barn swallows are born in June. Parents are busy.
July
As barn swallows finish nesting, they are starting to gather in migratory groups. Some migrants leave northern areas. Young stay with their parents during migration.
August
Peak fall migration for barn swallows over much of Canada and the US. The first individuals are reaching South America. Watch for flocks along their migration pathways gathering along telephone wires.
September
Peak migration of barn swallows through southern states. Barn swallows are hard to find over the northern part of their range now.
October
There are still a few straggler barn swallows in central states, but most are in South America now, growing new body feathers. Some are starting to molt their flight feathers.
November
Barn swallows are mostly in South America now, and just about all are molting.
December
Virtually all barn swallows are in South America now, and body and flight feather molts are at their peak.
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Barn swallows
