"Cliff Swallow Totem"
Watercolor drawing & mix medium of Cliff Swallows. These birds migrate from South America to North America to have and raise their babies. The Cliff Swallow scouts arrive near the end of February to San Juan Capistrano. Once hatched and fledged from their gourd shaped mud nest the parents prepare them for their long journey back to South America which begins in September. Cliff Swallows consume thousands of bugs during their stay.
The City of San Juan Capistrano and the Mission San Juan Capistrano celebrate their return every year. The Fiesta Association a volunteer organization based in San Juan Capistrano has planned each year in advance for the past 52 years a Swallows’ Day Parade. The Mission San Juan Capistrano celebrates the Cliff Swallows return on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19th each year.
These beautiful birds, the Cliff Swallow are one of nine species of Swallows. Some only migrate between Africa and Europe and others between South America and North America. The Cliff Swallow is the only Swallow that builds the gourd shaped mud nest. Please be kind, considerate and respectful to them, they are our guests. Welcome them and learn about them.
