Do you have a passion for making things entirely by hand or appreciate it in other people? In my teens and twenties, I got a thrill out of being my own mechanic on my old '75 Mustang. Yep, I've changed a few water pumps and brake pads. I have sewn every stitch of handmade rag dolls with a needle and thread (no machine stitching), and I prefer to cook from scratch. Isn't it much more rewarding to gather family and friends to put in fence posts, and raise barns? So naturally for me, prepping the fleece, learning to spin, and then making things from the alpacas' luscious fiber is my idea of happiness! -Kaylen

Friday, June 11, 2010

Tree Swallows Find a Home


Tree Swallow Waiting for Partner

We have a pair of tree swallows nesting in one of our birdhouses.  We first noticed them when they were competing with bluebirds for a nest box. Bluebirds and tree swallows nest in cavities they find.  They are unable to make their own. The bluebirds won the first box and the swallows moved into the second.

Back with Food

A couple of days ago we saw a little head peaking out and both parents chirping encouragement.  Finally the fledgling took flight and floated to the ground.  Mom and Dad swooped down and helped it find its way into the tree. The kids had so much fun watching as the birdhouses are the ones they made me for Christmas.

Parents Ready to Help Fledglings 

If you have a bluebird nest box and get frustrated by swallows taking up residence just put up a second home.  Bluebirds defend a larger area from other bluebirds but will live close to other species of birds. Tree Swallows are great to have around for insect control.

Posted by Kaylen
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1 comment:

Lindy and Paul said...

Very neat! We have barn swallows nesting in their mud-nests in our new barn, but I've not noticed tree swallows here.

June 11, 2010 at 7:54 AM

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