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.
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....
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
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
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
@2ck Intruder alert? ;)
@trinsec I guess? like, I open my garage door and peek at the nest and the bird there immediately flies off. one of them will keep circling and chirping every time it sees me as it circles. I hope I find a way to calm them if I'm causing them distress
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.