On August 8th, we posted about our second nesting of barn swallows in the stable, taking to the air. These were late starters -- the parents didn't begin to set the eggs until the first nesting pair already had their brood out practicing aerial manouevres. We were a bit surprised to find the second pair nesting so late.
Nancy lamented that all too soon the wonderful sound of swallows will be gone from the stable for another summer.
Well, guess again. We've got a THIRD nest on the go. The same day our last set of fledglings tumbled into the sky, a pair of barn swallows pulled up the original nest, dusted it out, decorated it artistically with chicken feathers, and proceeded to sit on a new batch of eggs.
Those eggs hatched yesterday. We've once again got hungry little swallow mouths to feed. Busy swallow parents swooping through the barn, cussing out the cats.
We've never known them to nest this late into the season -- they normally cluster together and leave en masse about August 24th, so this little family will really have to get a wiggle on.
We'll keep you posted!
I can see how difficult this shot would have been!
ReplyDeleteSo glad I popped in! Pretty arrogant of me, what with you maintaining a resort, 30 (count 'em) chickens, equine, feline and other friends & several employees!
You gave me such a warm welcome. Such a dear person! I shall post some photos. I had so much fun on the tour. You energy and spirit comes through in your blog, but it is joyful in person!