Lake Umbagog.
1896
Aug 11
(No 4)
  For the past three days more than a thousand Swallows have 
frequented the Lakeside farm. About 80% are Eave Swallows and
most of the remaining 20% Barn Swallows although 
a few Bank Swallows & White-bellies are mixed with 
these species. In the early morning (ie from 6.30 to 8 a.m.) 
they sit crowded close together in rows along the wires of the 
fences or in masses on the roof of the barn, apparently to 
preen their plumage & enjoy a sun bath. A portion of 
the flock, probably the younger and weaker birds, spend 
the greater part of the day on these perches but by far 
the larger number are on wing during the remainder of the 
forenoon and most of the afternoon, spreading 
themselves in insect-like swarms over the Lake and 
the meadow in front of the house. At about 5 P.M. 
these wanderers begin coming in from every direction and 
alighting either on the barn or, as is oftenest the case at
this house, among the foliage of a Balm O'Gilead Poplar 
which stands at the corner of the house. They do not alight
all together but singly and in squads of a dozen or more 
which come in quick succession. In the poplar they alight 
chiefly on the upper surfaces of the leaves choosing those 
at the upper or outer ends of the branches first. [delete]& after
these are taken those nest[/delete]. The frail character of these perches
obliges these birds to use thin wings more or less to maintain 
their positions and at times the whole outer surface of 
the foliage is a - flutter producing & found like falling hail 
& giving the tree, when viewed from a little distance, a 
curious appearance. 
[margin]Great concourse 
of Swallows[/margin]
  When all - or practically all, for there are usually a few 
stragglers left flying about the fields - are pushed 
they remain quiet - save for the fluttering, & more or less