Saw a pair of barn swallows outside my house just a little while ago. I don't usually see them I think, so it was nice. Sadly, my video of their activity was pretty short and not very good :(
looks like they hung around😄
(at least, I think it's the same pair. I'm not great at telling them apart within a species)
I think they're actually resting in the covered space before my front door. I'm surprised there's any comfort in that for them, but glad if there is.
yep, they are definitely nesting here. apparently a law protects them. I don't mind although I'm worried a call bit about parasites, so I'll probably remove the nest after they've raised their brood for the season
#birds #birdwatching #nature
I've seen four nestlings now, all fallen from the nest. one was dead when I got home. second had trouble staying in the nest so i made a makeshift nest out of a sock (not sure if that's ok). third, i think, was pushing number two out of the nest--seems unfazed and just wants fed now it's back. last I basically rolled into the nest. wasn't dead but pretty weak-looking.
parents are still around so I reckon at least the lively one I put back in the original nest can survive. dunno about the other two, but I'm pulling for em.
death mention
so, they all died. I saw one on the ground yesterday morning; the one in the makeshift nest was dead; and then I found the last of them dead on its back on the ground this morning. the parents are still around and have returned to the nest, but I'm not sure they'll stay.
Sorry if you were looking at this thread expecting something sweet or uplifting, but life ain't a fairytale.
Welp, they're gone now. I think, legally, I can take down the nest. They didn't raise any offspring here as far as I could tell, so I don't think there are any offspring that'll return, but the pair themselves could come back... I'll review a bit more, then decide.
The birds are back in town!
Again, couldn't tell ya if they're the same birds, but this morning I saw a couple of barn swallows flying to and from the nest over my door. I'm glad I didn't destroy the nest last time: it's great to see them again 😄
news flash! there are *three* of them. not just a mating couple, but a third. related? possibly a juvenile? will post updates as and when....
haven't seen much of the birds themselves these last few days, but I do see some dry grass and feathers below the nest indicating they've been tending to it.
I can confirm that they're roosting above my door. I stepped out to put my trash in the bin last night and peeked one of them there. before I'd see one in the nest and one nestled in these little plastic needles (which I think are supposed to deter birds🤔), but I only definitely saw one last night
#swallowbird #birdwatching
it occurs to me that the birds' experience of me may be drastically different from my experience. at least one of them has dived at my head twice
Chicks are confirmed.
There are at least three and possibly a fourth. The fourth seems less vigorous than the others. Hopefully things go better than last year...
My neighbor informed me that the swallows have been nesting at my house for about 15 years. I know it wasn't continuous since they were new to me last year, but it's pretty cool all the same.
Chicks are still looking OK. Two on the end nearest my door were more active this time (opening and closing their beaks), but the other two showed a little movement as well.
#birds #swallows #birdwatching
They grow up so fast! All four are still looking healthy: eyes opened and alert. And they're so big! Can't wait to see these babies fly
#swallowbird #swallows #birdwatching #birds #nature
> reading about Barn Swallows
> "Cool Facts"
> "An unmated male Barn Swallow may kill the nestlings of a nesting pair. His actions often succeed in breaking up the pair and afford him the opportunity to mate with the female."
uh, yeah... "cool"
they're flying! I just walked out to see them taking off. one's still in the nest though--playing it cautious, I guess
#nature #birds #swallows #swallowbird
small update: swallows are still here, but I don't see them as much, partly due to my own schedule though.. I just saw three this morning flying back near the nest.
minor update. probably last for the year. I think the main family has moved. I did see another chick briefly, but stopped seeing it sooner than I think it could have developed to a fledgling. (Can adults fly their chicks elsewhere?) I saw a couple swallows just now leave, but couldn't tell if they were using the nest or just the shade
All four are looking pretty good today. Heads poking over the edge of the nest. Seemingly responsive to sounds or smells (they perked up when I came near). A couple open mouths.
It's so fascinating how they stay gawping, expecting food to just appear there.