I am not a birder. I have a question about the huge flock of small dark birds that have been flying above us and landing near us, for the last 3 weeks, since we came here. Can you suggest possibilities? They don't have tails like swallows but the do lovely dives and turns in their mumerations. There could be a hundred of them. I have tried to take photos but I can't get very close. I think the belly is white but it could be reflected sunlight. They are not noisy. They must be common because there are so many. Another common bird I have seen a lot is a small gull, like a miniature Herring Gull, that maybe hanging out with them. Yesterday I saw about 8 of them next to a Herring Gull on the sandbar in the Quitsa channel. Sadly, we are leaving tomorrow but you are welcome to come birding here. Sue Whiting knows the place well, the Ryerson's house. Just don't name the spot in the paper. I could send you some vague photos. Sorry for the very long message. I love your column, I've read it for years, even if I have trouble telling a Turn from a Gull. Francie