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HELP! Barn Swallows and nesting

10 years ago

In the spring, a pair of swallows had a family of 6 and they all survived. When the parents returned, they built up the nest again, laid another clutch and were incubating them, and the blasted house sparrows moved in on it and chased them off. Lately I've been seeing the swallows coming around the nest again and I don't know if I should tear the old nest down or just leave it alone. The swallows will not land on it (as far as I've seen) but do perch briefly on the chimes next to it, then leave again. Are the old eggs still in that nest, and should I tear it down to allow them to rebuild?

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Comments (6)

Trickyfingers
10 years ago
Can't you just make/put-up another nest for them? Then that way there is no overtaking..
kendra2003
10 years ago
Don't know if they'll try re-nesting again. But Barn Swallows (I'm assuming Barn Swallows by your description) like to build a new nest on top of the old one. I wonder if they do decide to nest there again if you could use a trick that Bluebirders do. Once they've laid an egg and are committed to the nest, you can try hanging a few Mylar strips above the nest. For some reason House Sparrows are spooked by it and it usually keeps them from harassing the other bird's nest. It worked for a friend of mine that had House Sparrows harassing nesting House Finches.
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Well these barn swallows have been re-furbishing this same nest on our porch year after year. There really is no other location on the porch or nearby that would be practical or safe for the swallows to nest. This southwestern corner is under the eaves above our steep staircase, high up and inaccessible to predators. I don't know for sure they are the *same* two swallows year after year, but there is only the one nest. Meanwhile Mrs Finch is sitting on the nest and occasionally perching on the edge to turn her eggs. I imagine Mr Finch takes over nest sitting duties, although I haven't witnessed the changing of the guards. I do see him sometimes land on the ledge and sometimes in the little crabapple tree nearby. It is totally strange to see the pair of barn swallows arriving at dusk to spend each night perched next to the nest. I wonder if one or both could be last year's barn swallow babies.
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I've been fortunate enough to have a pair of mockingbirds in my backyard year around for several years. They are very protective of their territory, especially to other mockingbirds. Every year, they raise two or three offspring, but run them off soon after they fledge. The only other birds they seem to tolerate are a pair of white wing doves that nest in a youpon holly tree. Maybe because the doves don't compete for the same food source. They go nuts in the spring when the flocks of Cedar Waxwings come through and strip off the remaining winter youpon holly berries, which is the mockingbirds main food source in winter. They are overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of Waxwings, but just complain loudly. The most interesting thing is they mate for life, but go through a re-bonding ritual every spring. They face each other on the ground about 2 feet apart, and the male will hop forward and place a youpon berry on the ground, then hop back. The female then hops forward, picks up the berry and hops back. They do this several times a day until they finally go off and build a new nest and lay eggs.
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Comments (2)
Research conducted in Maryland revealed that House sparrows reduced the fledgling success rate of a Barn swallow colony by 45%. However, since House sparrows aren't the best fliers, then I think if you placed your nest cup high, like this, it could work : http://www.americanartifacts.com/smma/per/sn730.jpg Perhaps using a modified version of the sparrow spooker (http://www.sialis.org/sparrowspooker.htm). You can also use monofilament or hobby wire, and tighten it (tie and weight it) , and hang them from the roof to the sides of the nests could work, although it can be brought inside the nest and possibly choke the young..etc
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Comments (2)
Thanks Lisa, I like the thought of the little birds hanging out with their cousins from the barn nest who are their seniors by approx. a week. I imagine the single parent bird did have his wings full trying to round up his whole brood each night, and probably the first two nights were enough to ensure their safety. He or she is probably in need of a rest at this point. I hope the severe rainstorms did not endanger the swallows. If by "baby" you mean my cat, I did as always and kept her in during the hazardous fledging period, but she's in and out now. She's not having much luck hunting though; only a few rodents turning up on the porch. I think the rain this past week has halted/slowed the activities of all life forms.
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LofTX
Original Author
10 years ago
They keep coming back and swooping around, then they leave again. If they decide to stay, I may do the mylar strips. I'm just not sure if I should tear down the old nest, and let them build a new one. I'll keep an eye on it and see what happens.
pudzzy1
10 years ago
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
pudzzy1
10 years ago
sorry picture above not very clear. this is the adult bird. yesterday all 3 birds where here .I think they are trying for another set of babys ..I did find out they can lay eggs up to 3 times a year .Dont know what will happen to the baby as its still trying to get on the nest. Will keep everyone posted Thank you
pudzzy1
10 years ago
BABY & PARENTS HAVE ALL LEFT. NEXT YEAR I THINK WE WILL TRY TO PUT A WOODEN PLATFORM ON TOP OF THIS BIRD HOUSE

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