When you find this cache you
should be able to look to the left and
see the swallow nests built under the edge of the overpass. If
you
come at dusk, you will probably catch them gracefully
swooping
through the air as they prepare for their nightly feast,
mosquitos!
Swallows are a migratory bird with long wings, forked tail
and
graceful flight. For the most part swallows are
insectivorous,
taking flying insects on the wing. They build mud nests close
to
overhead shelter in locations that are protected from both
the
weather and predators. Mud nests are constructed by both males
and
females and defended vigorously during the breeding season.
Pairs of mated swallows are
monogamous and in some species the male
assists with incubation duties. What a guy! The parents do
not
usually feed the chicks individual insects but instead a bolus
of
food comprising of ten to a hundred insects. Regardless of
whether
the species has males that incubate or brood the chicks the
males
of all swallows will help feed the chicks.
There are many different types of swallows and I'm not
sure
exactly what type live here. If someone finds out I'd love to
know!
Cache is located inside a camo'd cache pouch and can hold
small
objects but bring your own pen! FTF prize is a TB I found while
on
our Garner trip. Enjoy!
WARNING: This was not the original location I wanted to
hide
this cache. While searching the large tree to the left of the
cache
location I discovered several large honeycombs inside the tree.
I
didn't get close enough to see if these honeycombs are still
being
used but there wasn't any bee activity. While I think my new
location is a safe distance from the tree, I'd still use
caution
especially if you are allergic.