Barn Swallows in flight at Mount Moreland

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About to Fledge Barn Swallows

By Risto Jäntti

The first Barn Swallow chicks are about to fledge. Today the chicks in two nests left their nests for the first time. They were sitting on beams near their nests and to reach there they must have flown a bit. They will still return to their nests from their "exploring expeditions".

I have already noticed several new broods of those swallow pairs whose nests were robbed by the squirrel. That swallow pair whose chicks died when the nest fell down onto the barn floor, are building a new nest some 10 cm sideways from the original nest location! There are also two old nests near the new one and it seems difficult for the swallows to decide which nest to choose, because they go and sit in every one of those nests.

Although this Barn Swallow nesting season is the worst ever due to the squirrel, our House Martins´ nesting has been the best ever. Almost all of those 15 cement-and-sawdust nests are active and there are also several natural nests of those very sympathetic swallows. Today I saw how several House Martin pairs were flying their chicks for the first time this nesting season. It was so touching to watch how the chicks were flying behind their parents, franticly beating the air with their little wings, making even the same curves as the parents and calling them constantly. That is without doubt one of the best sights of the summer for me.

Enjoying the swallows

Regards

Risto