Interesting Observation

I had a pair of Tree Swallows nesting in a box this year. They raised 3 young. Two of the young were obviously larger than the other. The largest came out to test its wings on 6/18. The second one came out on the 19th. Both of them flew around most of the day on the 19th.The little one hung out of the box and watched. The adults made them go back into the box on the evening of the 19th. On the 20th , the little one ventured out and all 5 left the area.

The entire family waited for the weakest individual to grow enough to join them before flying away. I always look forward to my Tree Swallows return in the Spring. The day that they leave the nesting box is the last time that I will see Tree Swallows on my property; until next April. Soon, they will be on their way to the Amazon Basin, but I know that I will have a pair back here nesting in the Spring. I guess that Tree Swallows hate Summer in WV, just like me.

I will probably clean out their box tomorrow. It is always interesting to see what materials they chose to use this year. It is always a different combination of feathers and weeds. There is usually alot of goose down used. On a couple of occasions, I have thrown turkey breast feathers up in the air and the swallows have caught them to use for construction.

When they return next spring, the box will be clean,bleached and ready.