Tree Swallows

We currently have four pairs of Tree Swallows in various stages of raising their first broods.

The above photo is the pair that has chicks that are quite close to fledging. Box S is on our East property line, along a hedge row.

In this short video, you can see how one chick is confident to somewhat hang out of the hole as he tries to catch a glimpse of an approaching parent who might bring him a snack. The bird on the perching pole is a parent who had just arrived and fed him moments earlier.

Tree Swallows are cavity nesters and use the same type housing as Bluebirds do to raise their broods. Unlike Bluebirds that hunt for their food on the ground or in trees, Tree Swallows snatch their prey while on the wing. When they are feeding chicks, Tree Swallows typically soar over the farm fields or pastures nabbing small insects which they then deliver directly to the nest box. On the contrary, Bluebirds often settle on a fence post or other flat surface where they manipulate the insects they catch prior to flying to the nest box where they then offer the grub to their chicks. Filming Tree Swallow parents tends to require greater attention and speed pressing the shutter because they are very fast!

Box 9 is on our West property line. These photos are of a the eggs in the nest as well as a parent perched nearby. When there isn’t a natural place for the birds to settle, we install a post about 6 feet away. The birds use the perch during the nest building as well as once the eggs are laid and the female is setting.

Box #7 is in the little orchard at the end of our driveway. These photos are of the male who seems to hang out continually on a small apple tree about 10 feet from the nest box. I’ve also included a photo of their beautifully, “feathered” nest (what a perfect place for eggs to incubate!)

Last is a pair that is claiming box W. They are busy building a nest, but as of June 2, it doesn’t yet have eggs. In this photo you’ll see how providing a perching post is welcomed by these lovely birds. This box was used by a Bluebird couple that recently fledged their chicks.

I will share additional photos of these beautiful gems in the coming days.