Does anyone know why swallows tend to fly around the major intersections?

Question

Does it have something to do with the lights? And if so, why do we only see them at the larger intersections but not the smaller? I am in the Denver, Colorado area. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Most major intersections these days are overpass arrangements, with bridges and off ramps and all the bells and whistles. Many times, swallows are actually using these bridges as nesting sites, the same way they use cliff sides or river banks.

In many areas, where bridges cross over rivers, the underside of the bridges are completely covered in swallow nests, thriving in an environment that was intended for human use but is also ideal habitat for the swallows.

If these major intersections are not areas with bridges or other nearby structures, then I have no idea.

Answer 2

the swallows are eating bugs that are attracted by the lights at major intersections. the lights in the smaller intersections may not be bright enough to attract as many bugs as the larger intersections

Answer 3

I am told that some insects are attracted to automobile exhaust fumes. It could be that the birds are feeding and the heavier traffic in these intersections attract the bugs.

In parts of South and East Texas we get heavy concentrations of "love bugs" at certain times of the year. They clog up car radiators. I'm told that just a few feet off of the highway they disappear.

Answer 4

Probably because a lot of bugs, small animals or garbage accumulate at intersections and it makes for easy food gathering.

Answer 5

They are looking for the most expensive cars to drop their whitewash on.

Answer 6

because they nest around there and they are defending their nest