Spanish common name: Golondrina Ranchera
Our life is so peaceful in Perote! We have an evening routing that we try very hard not to break. It begins with hummingbird antics followed by The Swallow Dance.
During the day, the swallows come out sporadically, but every evening as the sun goes behind the mountains, they come in groups of twenty to one hundred to dance across the sky, play, and court - but mostly they come to feast on the tiny insects that fill the sky as sunset approaches. This dance may last as much as two hours. The birds chatter constantly as they make their long swooping flights across the sky.
As they are satisfied, they drift away and there is a noticeable stillness in the air. This is a good time to hear owls in the distance as they talk to one another about the upcoming hunt. Then, as darkness falls, the bats arrive.
At some point, we have started the grill and by now supper is ready. We probably need a sweater. The stars are coming out. Another Perote day is closing.
To learn more about our swallows, click here.
