Feeding the Family

This adorable Tree Swallow chick is watching diligently for a parent to return with a snack. He scans the sky for a sign, then helps his mom zero in on the exact location for the “food drop.” How can you miss that signal?

This is the second brood that this pair of Tree Swallows has used this specific house this season. It’s located on the eastern fence line of our property and faces a 20 acre pasture / hay field, where the hunting ground for Tree Swallows (as well as Barn Swallows) is vast and plentiful.

Tree Swallow parents work HARD to rear their brood. They spend their days hunting and catching insects (on the wing) which they deliver to their hungry chicks – rain or shine, and on this specific day, enduring some pretty intense winds.
If you look closely, you’ll be able to tell the difference between the male (an almost iridescent, deep blue color) and the female (a rich, chocolate brown.) They work equally to succeed in the arduous task of insuring genetic immortality.

Not only do they need to provide in INPUT, but they must deal with the OUTPUT by removing the poop sacks from the chicks in order to keep the nest clean.

INPUT and OUTPUT

I feel exceedingly fortunate being privy to the complex life of these amazing birds.