There was a frost this morning. Enough to make a slushy layer of ice on the dog bowl outside, but nothing the spring flowers can’t handle.
I did see two barn swallows swoop into the barn circle around and fly out again. I know I startled them. I wonder if they know that Zip is around yet.
It’s early for the swallows, they usually come the first of May. But it was a warm winter. So warm that a few stalks from last years kale that I grew in my garden is growing leaves.
One day about two weeks ago a constant bird call got my attention. It was so consistent I wondered if it wasn’t tree frogs. But then I saw the birds circling over the pasture. They were Killdeers who come to the farm every year, although if they stay long, they are so well hidden, I barely see them.
This year, as far as I could tell, they didn’t even land, just circled overhead. That was the first time I wondered if they’d got news of Zip who prowls the tall grasses where the Killdeers make their nests.
I heard that birds know when a new predator has moved into an area. I don’t know how they get this information, but I do hope the barn swallows decide to stay.
Flo used to the hunt in the barn and hay loft. I’ve seen the barn swallows dive bomb her more than once.
I understand if the barn swallows choose not to stay. I’d hate for Zip to hunt them. But I will miss them if they decide to go to another farm and another barn.
