I came across a small group of Cave Swallows resting and preening on a utility line. The species is known to nest in Travis County, but this is the first time I have found them on this property. There were several adults as well as some juvenile birds. Image 6 shows one of the youngsters. Note the scaly feather edges to the back and scapulars
Greg Neise's photo of our flyby Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) My 371st bird species seen in Illinois. Short-tailed swallow, buffy underneath with throat the same color as chest, photographed by Greg Neise. We didn't ID it from the photo, we IDed it as it approached and flew by, this photo just happened to be a lucky capture by Greg Neise. IORC #2015.053
I came upon a large group (50-60) swallows which seemed to be mostly Barn Swallows with some Cliff Swallows. I am calling them Cliff Swallows rather than Cave base on the sounds they were making and seeing one dark-throated and light-foreheaded individual. Most seemed to be first-year birds.