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Post by hank on Mar 18, 2020 22:56:06 GMT -8
017 by henry wall, on Flickr Along with the Peregrine Falcon there were some Violet-green Swallows.
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Post by neal on Apr 14, 2020 13:25:28 GMT -8
Nice
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Post by old coot on Apr 15, 2020 13:06:44 GMT -8
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Post by Gord on Apr 16, 2020 20:43:00 GMT -8
Klaus, fantastic to see them wasting no time getting the nests ready. Thanks to you and Hank for the updates from the site.
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Post by old coot on Apr 22, 2020 10:31:39 GMT -8
I don't know why, but there has been no activity at the quarry since I posted the nest building on April 15. I have gone back two times and there were no swallows, except Turkey Vultures flying overhead. I do not know who, what, or why, caused this to happen, but this is sad. There was lots of activity, now, suddenly, nothing. Klaus DSCF3806 by Klaus Molthagen, DSCF3809 by Klaus Molthagen, on Flickr
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Post by birderbert on Apr 22, 2020 13:53:33 GMT -8
I think you witnessed the arrival of the Cliff Swallows where they were checking out their nesting sites. According to my limited historical data they will be adding to or building new nests up until the middle of May and lay eggs from mid May to the end of May. The youngsters fledge from mid June to the end of June. I suspect they will be back building nests over the next few weeks?
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Post by old coot on Apr 22, 2020 18:32:18 GMT -8
Thanks Bert. I hope you are right. I just found it strange that swallows that are actively building nests would suddenly disappear and not come back. Klaus
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Post by hank on Apr 22, 2020 21:22:05 GMT -8
039 by henry wall, on Flickr Klaus i took these yesterday the 21st. The site was swarming with Swallows.
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Post by mevl on Apr 23, 2020 6:35:11 GMT -8
That's good news!
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Post by expiallyd on Apr 23, 2020 16:00:33 GMT -8
I think that sometimes the swallows take off together and can fly quite a distance in search of mud. So if you happen to be there when they are on a mud-gathering expedition, the nests will appear to be abandoned. I have witnessed this at the Mission Bridge site where they also nest. I haven't been down there this year to see if they are back there yet.
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Post by hank on Apr 24, 2020 22:02:46 GMT -8
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Post by Gord on Apr 25, 2020 7:41:43 GMT -8
I've also noticed with the insectivores that if the weather gets a bit wet/cold or windy they will move briefly to find food. Usually only happens early in the season. Hank, great mud gathering shots!!
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Post by hank on Apr 30, 2020 22:14:32 GMT -8
043 by henry wall, on Flickr Some more Cliff Swallow photos. 039 by henry wall, on Flickr The Male made a surprise visit to the Quarry on the 28th of Apeil.
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Post by nickinthegarden on May 19, 2020 12:18:54 GMT -8
I saw the Peregrine Falcon sitting on a rock ledge at the quarry site, I suspect it is sitting on eggs as it did not move while I watched other than to watch me. More of a concern was a sign on the road in stating there was going to be grinding and paving being done on the road. Are not Peregrine Falcon nesting sites protected under the Wildlife Act and would not such an activity around an active nest constitute a violation of the Act? What about the Cliff Swallows they nest right above that road are they not protected? Peregrine Falcon by Nick, on Flickr
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Post by Ben on May 19, 2020 12:50:59 GMT -8
Hi Nick,
While I suspect that you are right about there being a nest, I don't think the bird you pictured is incubating the eggs because they do that with their breast (looking somewhat odd as they lie on their belly).
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