Where are the swallows???

[Gord]

Well, this question applies to Cheam Lake over the last half of the week. I counted maybe 10 Tree Swallows when there should be more like 30. The nest boxes were all void of activity too. I fear that with the cold and wet that the swallows are in survival mode and that any eggs that were laid will be lost. I hope things warm soon so they start nesting again in plenty of time so the young are ready to migrate.

I have been seeing many swallows, but in flocks and concentrated in certain areas, every where. Usually by now flocks of swallows are not commonly seen stringing the power lines. They should be more spread out and nesting!!!

This is not good news for BC's Purple Martins either. I hope the ones at Stave River return (there was a pair seen at the nest boxes in late May...oops...there's one for May's list!) and have another good nesting season.

[Gord]

I checked some boxes late last week and was heartbroken to find some nestlings dead in the boxes. This includes the young of that swallow that takes feathers from my fingers for his nestbox (yes, he's back).

This poor weather was very hard on them but I hope they try again.

If anyone has boxes that had swallows using them prior to the cold/wet snap, it might be worthwhile to check them to see if dead birds need to be removed. A very sad thing to see, but I dont know if they'll use a box with fresh dead birds in them.

[butterfly]

We saw tree swallows mating yesterday, so maybe there is hope yet.

[onejay]

I had a quick peek in the nesting box in our yard today and the nestlings are alive and well! Will post picture tomorrow.

onejay

[onejay]

All seems well in this little home...