Some of the barn swallows returned early this afternoon. This one decided to check out one of last year’s nests. Both the long-tailed swallows and this shorter variety came back at the same hour. Didn’t manage a pic of the flycatcher nor the pesky black flies.
Photos by Stuart McIntosh–These 5 young barn swallows are still staying together despite their freedom of flight–The middle nest has a young swallow peering out. These short tailed swallows are nesting in the same barn but closer to the entrance. Nesting sites are depleted as these old barns are torn down.
First swallows are back. The oats should be planted. Traditional barn swallow nest on left photo. Short tailed swallow inside middle nest on right pic. Both types living in the same bar —Stuart McIntosh
What is swallow nest made of?
Both male and female build the nest cup using mud. They collect mud in their bills and often mix it with grass stems to make pellets. They first construct a small shelf to sit on, then build up the nest’s sides. If built against a wall or other vertical surface the result is a semicircular, half-cup shape.Barn Swallows return to the same nest season to season and will make repairs to the nest if needed.
Such a nice video
Patrick Doyle Lanark County Barn Raising Ireton
lindaseccaspina 