Date: 02/28/2002

Number: 1

On Thursday I saw the first barn swallow fly from the shed of the barn and across the fields on to the trees by the brook. It is VERY early to see that bird now.I was very startled and surprised to see the bird. I
too wondered what it will eat since I've seen only a few moths out so far.
However, the little bird flew from the shed in our barn to the fence line
and onto the trees near the brook. I watched it do the flight and it was
about 20 feet in front of me when it was in the trees. Its bright red
breast and blue coloring showed up as well as the destinctive tail. I too
realize it is awfully early for the bird, since we usually don't see it
until late April or May around our area. I have no explanation for its
appearance nor have I seen any other swallows. Usually there are a bunch of
them around our barn and brook during the summer. Since this sighting, I
have not seen the bird again. I am not offended that you ask for
verification. This sighting is as unusual as seeing a snowy owl in Cape May
County in NJ.

Stanhope, NJ

Latitude: 40.9 Longitude: -74.7

Observed by:
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