Carol Vigorito, Interpretive Naturalist
Agile aerialists that expertly catch insects in midair, swallows are fascinating summer residents of Summit Metro Parks.
Tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), with their iridescent green-blue backs and clear white fronts, are easily recognized as they glide and dip, hunting insects over marsh or meadow. Be alert! These birds are protective of their tree cavity or nest box and will dive-bomb interlopers. You can often find them at the Tallmadge Meadows Area of Munroe Falls Metro Park. See if you can spot one bathing by skimming the water’s surface!
Bank swallows (Riparia riparia) can be found swooping low over the Cuyahoga River to catch insects in the Oxbow Area of Cascade Valley Metro Park. To identify these birds, look for their subdued brown coloring and a distinctive breast band. Search for the burrows they make using their small beaks to dig three feet deep into sandy river banks. Enjoy viewing these species before summer ends — soon, they’ll migrate south for the winter!
For more great stories like this, check out Green Islands Magazine, a bi-monthly publication from Summit Metro Parks. Summit County residents can sign up to receive the publication at home free of charge.