This is bird note.

Once nesting season ends, these violet green swallows seem to know it's time to party.

They usually nest as single pairs in cavities or

nesting boxes, but now they gather on electrical wires by the dozens in the

Western United States, chattering away as part of their pre-migration networking.

They're not alone. Tree swallows often join the violet greens before they all begin their southbound migration to Mexico and Central America.

Cliff swallows may gather the same way, and so will barn swallows not just in North America but across Europe

and into China too.

Birds flock for protection. The more eyes watching, the greater the chance of

noticing predators and the harder it is for predators to single out any one bird.

Also, birds flock to share information about where to find food.

Migrating by day swallows forage for insects as they move farther south.

When they return in the spring, you will. for insects as they move farther south.

When they return in the spring,

you won't see them sitting around on telephone wires.

In spring, it's all business.

As the swallow starts selecting their sights and building their nests.

They'll save all that socializing for the fall.

For Bird Note, I'm Michael Stein.