Every year for some time now we've had barn swallows under our balcony and walkway. They have built a nest there, but so far this year despite building a new one in May when they arrived back again, there is still no sign of nesting in it. We have one male swallow who sleeps every night (except when it's cold) in a nearby drainige pipe sump as if keeping an eye on the nest, and some coming and going during the day to check on it. Definitely territorial behaviour but no breeding as before so far....can anyone enlighten me as to what the delay may be????
As our Swallows usually have at least 2 broods most years and are just settling down to the 2nd brood this week.Yours seem very late to begin this year but you may be lucky.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Either conditions have not been right for breeding or the resident bird has not formed a pair bond as yet. As they have the whole of summer to try for 2 or 3 nesting attempts there is still an outside chance for a successful nesting, especially if weather conditions settle down a bit!
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I wrote this wee poem about our sheltering swallow who sleeps each night below our balcony.
Goodby my little swallow, as you fade into the sky.
Though my heart is sad to lose you, I will try hard not to cry.
All summer you've been with us, as have your many friends.
We'll treasure these last days with you, as again our summer ends.
Goodbye my little swallow, as I wipe away a tear.
And I wish you a safe journey, hope we meet again next year.
Great poem! Did he find a mate in the end?
lovely
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Hi naturechild
The same thing happened at my house the other year - it made me feel sad too. The good news was that the following March a male swallow arrived with female. You can't help but feel protective of them - I think of them all through the winter.
Love the poem
CJ
The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing which stands in the way - William Blake
Aw thank you so much, lovely pics you've cheered me up no end, God bless.
Ah so lovely - my swallow family left today after frantic feeding of the 3 young. But sadly one of the young has been left behind, I noticed one had been slow to fly and he is now perched alone by the nest in the garage. He looks mature but small - wish I could help with feeding him. Do you think he will survive and migrate alone? So worried about the little chap........ grateful for any advice please...
Should be alright.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/wildlife/f/1916/p/23855/178478.aspx