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Tree Swallows.....

15 years ago

Since we didn't have any Blues around (anywhere!) and only the TRES have been claiming nestboxes I thought I would see if I could get some Tres pictures. Here is one I really liked....

Then Saturday afternoon after getting home from adopting a new puppy from our local humane society....

what did I see but two TRES fighting with a male Bluebird! Gosh I guess I always thought the Blue would win but that TRES took him right to the ground and kept him there. He was still around an hour later though. He seemed to be alone. Didn't see a female anywhere. Now I am hoping since we have some cold weather for today and the next two days (going from temps in the upper 60's to low 70's to temps in the lower 40's!! and rain) that maybe the TRES will take off for a day or so and the Blues can move in. Not sure if that will happen or not but I was hoping for at least one pair of Blues here, I know we will get TRES, that is a given. There have been at least six pair out there the past week. Problem is they haven't started nestbuilding yet so they are protecting more than just one house at a time it seems.

Donna

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Comments (3)

michelle_4466
15 years ago
Donna,
The TRES are beautiful birds too.They build with feathers or atleast use lots of feathers to line their nests.They generally co exist with Blues quite well and often defend the area when they have a nest paired with the blues.They are not invasive birds like the HSs.
I love that new puppy.Does he have one eye that is white and one brown? Or is it the angle in which you shot the picture?
Michelle
bbcathy
15 years ago
Lovely photos!!!!! My tres just arrived today and I couldn't be happier.
Cathy
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OH NO!! The Tree Swallows are back in Michigan
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Comments (4)
I've had a TRES here since Saturday the 17th, in Central WI. Monday there were two but now we are back to one again. It isn't doing much house hunting yet, just hanging around. Will be the first year the Blues (that are house hunting already) will get their choice of nestboxes cause normally the TRES are here first. Lisa, I am messing with two friggin male HOSP, got one with the BB gun yesterday but I missed the other one this morning, feathers flew but he flew away just fine. Have the vanert set for him now as he was in a box just a bit ago. Ugh! Donna
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Comments (3)
I have to say I have one male BB this year that has a big attitude. He already has babies in one of my BB boxes and things are going well, but he keeps going to the TRES box and sitting on the top then peeks in constantly (the TRES also have eggs and a nest). This drives the TRES crazy. My kids love to run out and chase Mr. BB away. The other day the 3 birds were on the ground fighting - this may be why you were were also seeing this. Usually they do tend to leave the boxes alone after they have occupied one of the houses, but sometimes this is not the case. Good luck!
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tree swallow mamas in nestboxes.
Q
Comments (1)
I just quietly apologize for disturbing her and wait and try again later when she's out feeding. Those Tree Swallow mothers are quite brave to stay sitting on the nest during a nest check. I try to be the least disruptive as possible. If she's busy brooding, just slowly close the box and try again later.
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Comments (5)
Tree Swallows do not eat seed or crumbs. They don't eat anything off the ground at all. They eat on the wing only...which is why when there are prolonged periods of rain (3+ days) they will either leave or die and their nestlings will die...they simply don't eat anything off the ground. Can you describe the birds exactly. The only time I have seen Tree Swallows on the ground was when they are nestbuilding and are picking up grasses.
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dzyg
Original Author
15 years ago
Hey Michelle and Cathy, I love the TRES too (had seven pairs nesting here last year!) but since TRES are so prevalant here it is more exciting to get a Bluebird pair, kwim?? I have noticed though that until the TRES start nestbuilding they will defend the house they chose and any houses near it and when they start a rucus all the TRES in the area come to join in. The TRES were MIA yesterday with the sudden drop in temps and only one pair is around today. Just this morning a male Blue was sitting on the house that I took the pic of the TRES on and he was singing away. I think he is alone trying to find a female. Hopefully one shows up before the TRES return which I am sure will be on Wednesday. Supposed to be pretty yucky today and tomorrow yet with cool temps but back up to 60 by Wednesday.

I would just like at least one Blue pair either here or at the park along with all the TRES. =)

Donna

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