Northern Rough-Winged Swallow

We drove north along the C&O Canal and Potomac River this morning so that Husband could continue his quest to run all 184 miles of the canal towpath.  There is no canal on today’s segment because the Maryland side of the Potomac has tall rocky cliffs.  During the construction of the canal in the 1800’s, blasting through the cliffs was too daunting so they made the river navigable in this section by putting a dam (Dam #4) just south.  The towpath runs right next to the river which makes it very scenic. (see extra)   It is our routine that I drop him at one location and pick him up 6 miles further along.  We have to plan this out very carefully with google maps and GPS, etc. because access can be limited in these more remote sections.  

I believe this is a Northern Rough-Winged Swallow.  They appeared to be nesting in the cliffs along the river and got quite agitated when I strolled by with my camera.  

Seventy percent of the canal run has been completed. Only 57 miles left to go.