Beautiful Barn Swallow listed as Threatened

Sad news.

The Barn Swallow has been added to the list of Threatened Species in Canada

http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct7/sct7_3_17_e.cfm

Range-wide Declines Remain a Mystery for Well-known Canadian Bird

"The Barn Swallow is easily identified by its deeply forked tail and swooping flight as it hunts for insects over lakes and fields. This bird, the most widespread swallow species in the world, is following the pattern of declining trends seen in many migratory birds across North America that eat flying insects. The reasons for declines of up to 76% in the past 40 years continue to baffle bird experts but changes in habitats, insect communities and climate have all been implicated. The Barn Swallow was assessed as Threatened."

We have observed them in Glenorchy and certainly in the surrounding area. They have currently returned to the area and inhabit the barns just outside of Glenorchy. In fact, we have a pair building a nest in our shed. Just another example of a species that will be impacted by plans for further development of the area. Frustrating indeed.

On another note, we woke up this morning to see five Cliff Swallows sitting on the wire out front. We've observed this species before, but this is the first confirmed sighting at the house.