While attending the Navy Band Northeast concert tonight in Preston with family and friends we were treated to a flock of at least 10,000 swallows (probably well more than that actually) going to roost in the adjacent cornfield. The swirling mass very much was reminiscent of a tornado with the tip of the funnel snaking around the field. I suppose cornfields must visually seem a good approximation of a marsh to swallows and hence be attractive as roost sites. The spectacle was impressive enough for the band to be distracted during their performance. >From David Provencher and Mary Gardner: 08/22/09 - Preston, Preston Veterans Memorial School - A conservative estimate of 10,000 swallows going to roost in the adjacent cornfield. Dave Provencher Naturally New England http://naturallynewengland.blogspot.com/