7 replies to this topic

[threeofhardts]

I have a nest of Tree Swallows in a nesting box in the backyard. The 5 eggs have hatched! Look at those cute pink babies against the white feathers.

[cwj2323]

That is great news! I did not know they used feathers. We had Tree Swallows investigating our box, but no takers yet.

[threeofhardts]

Here they are at 9 days old. Photo taken 06-11-12.

[JimBob]

Much cuter this time! Last time they looked like naked blobs!!!

[threeofhardts]

I think the babies are about ready to fledge. I have seen them peeking out the hole but don't want to approach them and scare them into fledging prematurely. The next day or two and they will probably be gone. Normally I would try to record their departure but I have to work all weekend and will more than likely miss it this time. I'm just glad they've done so well.

Edited to add: With the weather getting hotter, now would be a good time for them to get out of that cramped space. We'll be in the 90's for the next several days and it's got to be hotter than you-know-what in there.

[MichiganBirder]

I have seen tree swallows nesting in a box in a small local park in the Holland-Zeeland area. I don't know how successful the nesting will be since the boxes are so close to the trails where the people walk. Hopefully, the people there will be kind enough not to disturb the birds. The nesting boxes are near a pond next to some woods. Threeofhardts, I also live in Western Michigan (Holland-Zeeland area)..

[threeofhardts]

Hello MichiganBirder. I'm north of you, north of Muskegon.

I forgot to update this thread. All 5 baby Tree Swallows have flown the coop. I thought maybe I'd get to see them hanging around for a while but I haven't. I miss them. I took down the nesting box, cleaned it out then put it back up. As I was doing that, two beautiful deer wandered by to see what I was up to.

I love my backyard! (Wish I'd had my camera on me.)

[MichiganBirder]

Tree swallows are very intriguing birds. I'm glad that you had success with your nesting box, threeofhardts. Best wishes for your efforts in getting other interesting birds to nest in it.