In this Vietnamese city, arrival of swallows brings both good fortune and cleaning challenges

In recent days, the birds have gathered on power lines, entrance arches, signboards and window ledges in the urban center of the former Soc Trang City, now part of Phu Loi Ward in Can Tho.

The swallows chose to gather along Hai Ba Trung Street and near its intersection with Nguyen Hue Street, as they did last year.

Thuy, who runs a clothing shop on Hai Ba Trung Street, said she first spotted several flocks flying around at dusk a few days ago before landing on power lines.

The birds returned in growing numbers over the following evenings, she said.

“It's nice to see so many swallows, but having to wash the yard and sweep it every day is a little inconvenient,” Thuy said, adding that she accepted the mess because the birds had chosen to settle there.

Chau, a 75-year-old resident of Hai Ba Trung Street who has lived in the area since childhood, said last year was the first time she had seen so many swallows crowding the power lines along the street and nearby streets, including Nguyen Van Troi, Nguyen Hue, Ngo Quyen and 30-4.

She said the birds had returned around late August or early September on the lunar calendar this year, about 40 days earlier than in 2025.

Although their droppings produced an unpleasant smell, she welcomed their return, saying their presence brought joy and good fortune to residents.

Last year, the swallows first appeared around the 10th day of the 10th lunar month, arriving in large numbers and perching not only on power lines but also on entrance arches, signboards and house awnings.

They stayed until around the end of the third lunar month the following year, surprising residents with how long they remained.

A former forest ranger who had worked for the Can Tho Department of Agriculture and Environment said swallows were skilled fliers that could feed, sleep and even mate while in flight.

The birds mainly prey on small insects flying through the air.

They migrate south in winter to escape the cold and return to their former habitats when spring brings warmer weather, where they live, build nests and reproduce.

Swallows are also known for forming monogamous pairs, with tail-feather length playing a role in mate selection.

However, the birds' extended stay has also caused sanitation problems.

According to the Phu Loi Ward administration, by February 14, 2026, tens of thousands of swallows had been roosting along several streets for nearly four months, leaving droppings on roads, sidewalks and shopfronts and producing a fishy smell in some areas.

The droppings inconvenienced residents and businesses, with some people trying to drive the birds away by hanging kites or plastic bags.

To address the problem, local authorities hired a contractor to wash several main streets, according to Tran Van Nhanh, chairman of the ward's administration.