Capistrano's Swallows

March 18th and a cold, rainy day,
I've been thinking about the swallows!
For they will be flying, on their way,
Back to Capistrano....an old, Spanish mission,
Their difficult flight, won't harm their condition!
This is the time, when they return each year,
Faithfully flying and soon they will appear!
All are waiting! They will enjoy this special day!
Swallows now returning, in the same, old way!
How do they know, that it is the right time?
As if they had a calendar, in each little, bird mind!
An inner, alarm clock, that allows them to know,
And up and away......to Capistrano they go!
What attracts them? Is it just a bird routine?
Do they think Capistrano is the very best scene?
I visited Capistrano, when my children were small,
My two year old daughter was not very tall,
She loved all of the birds, there in the courtyard,
But, found trying to catch one, was just too hard!
So many white doves, were also flying there,
Flying! Circling! Landing!  Amost everywhere!
They did not seem to fear any humans, so,
We could observe closely and they did not go,
It seemed so peaceful....
As we strolled through the grounds,
Exploring this special place,
Where many, lovely birds are found!
There is a song, that people sometimes sing,
About Capistrano and swallows...
Where the mission bells ring!!

Pauline Banning
W4-1169-98-D15

For over two hundred years, on March 18th, a small, advance guard of
swallows have circled, over the Mission of San Juan Capistrano, on the
California coast. After reconnoitering, they have flown out to sea. Then,
on March 19th, at dawn, thousands arrive, at the mission, to take up their
summer abode. On Oct.23rd, they depart, once again.

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