I live up north, so I don't know about your birding down south. Do they have babies this time of year? Around here in Indiana, they usually stop by late August. Just watch the nest for a day or 2 and if nobody shows up, I'd say you're safe to cut it back.

Good for you! Two years ago a pair had a nest under the roof of the shed overhang, I think it gotten too buys, with me going in and out of the shed so they abandoned it. Last year a pair...could have been the same birds?...build a nest under the bridge of pond structure and successfully had 3 chicks. One day when I was curious and wanting to see the chicks, me on the belly and looking under the bridge they fledged! They flew away with no struggle, just like adults! Hope they come back this year. Here one of the fledgelings.. .. Konrad

It is normal for the second nesting to not have as big of a nest built because normally the weather is warmer. As long as the nestlings won't be sitting on the nestbox floor once they hatch the nest should be fine. Donna

For the 5 th year in row we have let a family's of barn swallows nest on our back porch. They just build right on top of a decorative bird house I had . We cover the patio furniture with a blanket & love them all. We may not be able to sit out on our deck but the birds got used to us . They have the protection of the porch & no other birds will come near the nest . .Well this year one lone female started building again & for over a month tried to get a mate to come near here I don't think this is one of the swallows from before. A lot of strange things have happened . One day while I was outside one of the birds knocked an egg out of the nest. Is this unusual ??.We know some baby's where born as we watched the parents coming & going to feed them . We went away for 3 weeks. NOW MY QUESTION One lone bird is still sitting on the nest I think its a baby I have not been able to get a photo of this one. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF BABYS STAY AFTER PARENTS LEAVE?? When do they fly south ?I have never seen this happen before THANK YOU