With Paul's notation to check local inland ponds, i did so at 5:20 today. After 1.5" of snow this morning, it was melting fast with temps in the mid 30's. Bristol res#7 Loads of Swallows! never saw so many at one time! They were way in the back, so counting was not poss. I estimate their were well over 1,000 plus! I more than likely saw a Barn Swallow, but not 100% sure at that distance, but showed a forked tail. ..........also... 3 Ring-n-duck 40 C Merganser 5 Black Duck and best of day - 3 Redhead - 1 female. no grebes or Loons. Bull Pond - Harwinton Pr Wood duck 17 male Ring-n-Duck, 3 females. pr Green-w-teal and - a bit different subject if I may........ Two male Mallards flew into the pond near me. One was a full colored male, the other same, but with less green in head. Their actions were strange though. They acted more like a pair - one following the other real close, even billing at times, and doing their preening of the back, as mated pairs often do. I know from breeding Pigeons, that males sometimes will pair up with another male if females are not available, but never saw this with wild ducks before. Also - their were two pairs of Mallards plus 3 free females at other side of pond. What did i just see here? Paul Carrier - Harwinton