An Abundance of swallows

10 years ago

For the past few days we have had dozens of swallows swooping and catching bugs above our property! They are a mixed group of either violet-green or tree-swallows plus many barn swallows. What a sight. And, what wonderful bug-catchers they are! Given the continuous wet conditions there must be a hatch of things but these guys are sure taking care of it. It certainly makes it worthwhile putting up swallow boxes. We are being repaid in a very good way.

Comments (9)

drtdgr
10 years ago
I adore swallows. I've been watching them at some of the places I work. Harmony Hill, in Union by the Hood Canal, has many birdhouses and I must post a picture of the babies hanging out waiting for food.

There are swallows closer by Puget Sound where I live, but I haven't seen them at my house.

I've seen a lot of bald eagles around too, more than usual.
flowerpowereverett
10 years ago
We used to have tons of Violet-green Swallows in my neighborhood, nesting near the pond a few blocks away. The past two years have been so terribly wet, I don't think they were able to nest. This year isn't looking any better :-(
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steelskies
9 years ago
Four-story swallow nest: Every year they build on the old one. I though they couldn't go any higher, but sure enough, they built on top of last years. Here's a picture of the cute babies the day before they left their nest
vinnybob
9 years ago
I had a box up for years where I live, now I haven't seen any in at least 5 or 6 years
dottyinduncan
Original Author
9 years ago
Steelskies, what a wonderful picture! I think these must be barn swallows because of the orange colour. We haven't had many of these around in the past couple of years -- they are SO beautiful!
aftermidnight Zone7b B.C. Canada
9 years ago
Dotty lucky you, I haven't seen a swallow around here for quite a few years, we used to have Barn Swallows, Violet Greens and Tree Swallows but they all seemed to have moved on to greener pastures. When the Tree Swallows arrived I knew spring was here to stay.

Annette
dottyinduncan
Original Author
9 years ago
Hi Annette. This began as last year's posting, but 2014 has been great too. I haven't seen barn swallows on the property though. Also, between the swallows and the bats I haven't seen a mosquito either! Happy summer.
User
9 years ago
We've had an abundance of swallows this year in Elbe. I just moved here last November and this is my first spring/summer season. Seeing them made me extremely happy as I thought my birds in Mississippi would be the last small ones I'd see.
steelskies
9 years ago
Thanks to all for your replies. It makes me so sad when they leave. I love their little chirping and flying around my farm. It also makes me so sad when I read people asking how to kill them because they are in their barns. How could anyone............ They are my favorite bird!