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My poor swallows

  • 24-07-2016 8:49am
    #1
    mr.wiggle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 842 ✭✭✭


    A few years ago I had my first swallows nest built on my house. Sadly it was late in the season and after the swallows departed I found two dead chicks in the nest. Two years of no return when this year a pair took up residence. It was great watching them swoop overhead and rushing in to feed the one click they had. Two days ago it fledged and I was proud as punch! It landed on the window sill taking stock after its first nervy flight. And then they were gone, until this morning. I took my cup of tea outside and there were the parents giving off warning calls and dive bombing an area of my garden..I feared the worst. And was right to. Up lifted a kestrel with our poor chick in its talons. Left me and the parents traumatised! I know nature can be cruel but this was such a sad thing to be a spectator to! Will the parents nest again this summer? Hope so!


Comments

  • #2
    TopTec
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,167 ✭✭✭TopTec


    I sympathise with you Wiggle. I have an old Dairy that I re-roofed 4 years ago and it didn't take long for two pairs to nest inside. I put sacks underneath to catch the droppings. We all enjoyed their too-ing and fro-ing through the small square ventilation opening at the top.

    They all seemed to leave early each season and when I checked the nests I would find abandoned chicks and eggs. Couldn't work it out until this year I spotted a Magpie leaving the opening several times. The Swallows were obviously upset at the intruder so I introduced chicken wire in the opening and watched whilst the little birds soon worked out how to get through it. I've also spotted a blue tit and a dunnock nesting inside.

    This season 7 young fledged from 2 swallow nests and have been a constant presence in the sky around the cottage. It's been a joy to watch them.

    TT


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