Barn Swallows - Where do the Barn Swallows go after Fledging?

Where do the Barn Swallows go after Fledging?

By Peter John

Question: Are your other Barn Swallows breeding again? And once the other Barn Swallows are out of the nest is that it? They are out? Do they roost close to the nest ?

Answer: normally the first brood are sent on their way once they can feed themselves. This could be a week or more. Parents then start the second brood which mine have now and already have babies in all three nests. Strange the wall nest babies are reluctant to leave the barn, but gradually in ones and twos they are not returning now.

The theory is these babies are taken to a safe house or area. As mentioned in the past, where that is I will never know. No person has ever informed me that a lot more swallows are now suddenly residing at their premises. Don't know where they go? Sometimes babies will come back into barn late in the evenings and get mostly chased out again by the parents.

At the end of the season loads of young swallows congregate flying into the barn all chirping happily. I always think that they have come to say goodbye. Last year the third brood of babies stayed in the barn well after the parents left. These youngsters born late eventually left in twos and threes. That was well into October. I Looked at the young and wondered if they would make it all alone by themselves with the main migration already flown.

I am anticipating three broods this year again as there is still time. Can't figure out my little friend that comes into my other out building every night right on time to the minute, then I close the door and won't see it again until tomorrow night. Perhaps this is the safe house Barn Swallow and has chosen to be in for the rest of the season.

As we know they only mate after their trip to South Africa then back to Europe to start having their own babies. I must have the same group back as last year with the two males and three wife's. Swallows born here will always return to the same area each year if they make it. Within half a mile some say. Lucky they will be these days to find suitable nesting sites. But home is home, and I bet those tin shed swallows will try again either this year or next in the same place.

Young Fledglings help feed new Barn Swallow babies

I have read reviews in the past that first brood babies return to nest to help feed second brood young. I really didn't believe this quotation as I have never seen such. To my surprise, yes, this is now taking place with my wall nest barn swallow babies. Three of the first brood are back feeding the new babies in the wall nest and staying along side the nest at night. Five barn swallows are at this nesting spot over overnight. They left the nest site a few weeks ago. One did hang on bit longer than usual. Babies depart according to their maturity, the weakest stay for a couple of days longer with their parents.