The swallows made a nest in one of our bluebird houses years ago. Barn swallows, I think. Anyway, when I mowed the grass they would nearly dive bomb the mower. I realized they were really swooping up bugs thrown up by the mowing.

Thanks for the clarification, M370.

Here we have 5 species of swallows:

Barn_swallow (Hirundo rustica)

Common house martin (Delichon urbicum) - Not in the US

Red-rumped swallow (Cecropis daurica) - Not in the US

bank swallow (Riparia riparia)

crag martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris) - Not in the US

There's a good article about them with a lot of info but, unfortunately, it's written in my language and it's too extensive to translate.

Ok I'm getting tired of this. More snow and it's 6 F this morning. At least the sun is starting to shine.

We don't have the snow, Shannon but, it is mighty cold for April, its 42 and dreary. Too cold to work outside, and antsy to get out there.

It has been alternating between raining and pouring and there are little lakes and streams in our yard and the yards of our neighbors. It is far too muddy to do any trimming and to clean up the butterfly garden.

The crocuses have been giving us a show for the past month and now the first daffodils are about to emerge.

The only plus is that this cool weather makes the daffodil blooms last longer, unlike a hot blast, which withers them before their time. But, otherwise...

If we get a frost or snow, though, that is the end of them. Hopefully it will warm up in time for the tulips and hyacinths.

We have a few juncos that stay here year round... they're almost a bluish color once spring commences. The others must head back to Canada. Who knew?

We have robins that came about a week ago. Now there's two inches of sleet/snow melting. I have a place set up for bluebirds and early robins. I peel an apple and put slices out for the robins, and also raisins. Robins like fruit and berries when worms are under ice/frozen.

You might check in your feed store in the chicken feed section. Freeze dried mealyworms are about 1/4 the price of what they are when in a bird food section. At least that's how it is here.

---------- Post added at 10:44 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:42 AM ----------

PS Here, crocus have already bloomed, daffodils in full splendor (under the snow/ice now), and the Lenten roses are in full splendor. My poor lotus and foxtail lilies are covered with straw, and straw is blowing all over the place.:roll:

The nearest feed store is a 'fur piece away. We get them at Lowe's. But I'll check the elevator.

DollyTH... Is there no Tractor Supply near you? That's where I get them cheapest. Depending on what you're paying, if buying in bulk even with shipping it's likely cheaper. Just a thought.