I know that “one swallow doesn’t make a summer”, but I did see my first of the year yesterday. I checked my notes from last year and it is a day later than in 2016, but still pretty consistent. (The first Swifts of 2016 were 7th May).
This year is marching on at a pace.
Electronic Scrapbook 
That’s wonderful, Alan! The swallows haven’t returned to the homestead just yet, but most every other migrating birds have arrived, I think. First, the geese and ducks flew in. Then, last month, robins and meadowlarks were next to arrive. Followed by the mourning doves and killdeers. And just this week, those darn grackles arrived, too.
But the swallows don’t show up until the insects are well established. This spring, however, has been a bit too cool for many of the insects and seem to be a bit delayed.
David.
Hi David, Glad to hear that your summer migrants are arriving. I’m sure that the swallows won’t be far behind.
I admire your attention to detail. I keep journals myself but my notes are all over the board. No consistency.
I’m not sure I’m that consistent, but there are a few species that seem, to me at least, to be ones which mark important turning points in my year.