Camera Critters - Tree Swallow
I headed into Hartville yesterday to purchase seed at my favorite nature shop. You see, a rose-breasted grosbeak landed on one of our feeders Thursday evening and I wanted to be sure I had the right seed in case he or any other members of his flock decided to come back. As I was leaving the parking lot, a male and female tree swallow flew down and perched on a sign next to the street.
The pair have claimed a bluebird house near the store. That is pretty typical behavior: tree swallows will often harass a male bluebird till it gives up the nesting box. (Male bluebirds scope out a proper nesting site, then they sing their hearts out to attract a female.) We had this happen at our last home after my husband and daughter installed a bluebird house as a Mother's Day gift. Once the bluebird gave up, I promptly went to the bird store and bought another one. The bluebird returned, and so I had two pairs of happy birds, both with successful nests.
We've installed a bluebird house here this spring, but no takers thus far. Though the property behind us has a large open space, I'm afraid there are still too many trees in our yard for a bluebird's liking. Who knows, maybe something else will find the nest box a cozy place to call home.
You can view all sorts of animal photos over at Camera Critters.
The pair have claimed a bluebird house near the store. That is pretty typical behavior: tree swallows will often harass a male bluebird till it gives up the nesting box. (Male bluebirds scope out a proper nesting site, then they sing their hearts out to attract a female.) We had this happen at our last home after my husband and daughter installed a bluebird house as a Mother's Day gift. Once the bluebird gave up, I promptly went to the bird store and bought another one. The bluebird returned, and so I had two pairs of happy birds, both with successful nests.
We've installed a bluebird house here this spring, but no takers thus far. Though the property behind us has a large open space, I'm afraid there are still too many trees in our yard for a bluebird's liking. Who knows, maybe something else will find the nest box a cozy place to call home.
You can view all sorts of animal photos over at Camera Critters.
Comments
So now we get to see more pictures of them, right?
here's hoping that there will be some takers and you can get to take plenty of wonderful photos. :-)
Great post!!
Angie(TAC) and Marci, I take dozens of shots when I see something and still have to discard them all sometimes. And having my camera ready and with me always has certainly helped. (I used to carry a camera in a case, and by the time I'd get it out, the bird would be gone.) I've been watching birds since I was a little girl, so being familiar with them probably helps. Angie, I use your "hold-your-breath" technique a lot!