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Second Incursion of Cave Swallows into Connecticut

November 2002 has produced the second incursion of Cave Swallows (Petrochelidon fulva) into Connecticut in four years. They were first seen during this incursion on November 23, 2002 with estimates exceeding 100 birds at Lighthouse Point Park (LPP) in New Haven. CT Shoreline locations ranging from the center of the state to the west have produced sightings of multiple birds. Observers at LPP in New Haven were treated to Cave Swallows swirling around them at eye level giving superb and prolonged views. Lesser numbers of birds were seen at LPP on the 24th winding down to 2 birds reported on the 26th. Birders at LPP experienced a memorable sight on the 24th when a hunting Merlin (Falco columbarius) took one of the Cave Swallows on the wing and started to eat it.

November 24, 2002 © Nick Bonomo
Photo taken at the Lighthouse Point Park pavilion structure.

Other reports of Cave Swallows on the 24th include 52 birds reported at Holly Pond in Stamford, at least 60 at Greenwich Point in Old Greenwich, two at Edgewood Park in New Haven and one at Walnut Beach in Milford. Three were seen at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport on the 23rd with the last reported sighting being 1 reported at Greenwich Point on the 27th.

With two such events within the last four years we can reasonably hope to see these wanderers in CT again during a future November.

November 24, 2002 © Mark Barriger
Walnut Beach, Milford.
All Images have been contrast and brightness adjusted in Photoshop Elements.
No color correction was made to submitted images.

Cave Swallow vs Cliff Swallow ID comparison plate © Julian Hough

Thanks are due to Nick Bonomo, Mark Barriger, and Julian Hough for providing these images and artwork of a recent addition to the birds of Connecticut.