Success!

Well, in spite of lots of attempts by the Magpies to get into the nest box, the Tree Swallows, with a little help by me, managed to drive them off. The results so far are two fledglings sitting on the fence. In the past, they flew the coop without us getting a look at them. This time I got a whole lot of pictures before they left. Its amazing how they instinctively know how to fly! Note the fly by above the Magpie!

They were very unafraid, but I still kept my distance.

 

There was a whole bunch of wing stretching that they probably couldn't do in the nest.

Lots and lots of stretching!

This is the other little fluff ball. I suspect he is a male due to his bluer head.

The female is the cuter one, if I have to judge.

But then again, he is pretty good looking.

The best part is, the parents are still bring bugs into the nest. That means there are likely one or two more to come. Their dedication, and protective efforts are amazing. Hopefully they will be back again next year. They are very nice to watch while sitting on the deck having a coffee.

Capistrano it isn't!

It may not be Capistran, but the Swallows are back and checking out the bird houses.

These are likely a pair from last year. They seemed to know where they were going!

May 24th is the earliest we have seen them.

More Ready to Leave!

This year the Tree Swallows only hatched out one baby.

 He keeps looking at the perch outside the nest and I figure it's getting close to departure time.

 Mom and Pop will probably be glad to see the end of him. It is a steady procession of bug deliveries.

 Yep. Bring me more!

 This one has already left the nest.

The Birds Know!

It was such a nice day, the female Tree Swallow was out for a little air, and some preening. With air temperature at +25C, I can only imagine how hot it was inside.

 She is very tame and I can walk up to within 6 feet of her without her getting stressed. 

 She also ignores both dogs even though they will sleep below the nest.

The hot weather has burst the apple blossoms. Hopefully they will take and we get lots of pies!

They Are Back!

Spring is officially here! The Tree swallows have arrived and are staking out turf.

Empty Nesters Pretty soon

The tree swallows have been non-stop feeding the babies.

As you can see the little ones are almost ready to fly. In the past, they are just gone, with not a good bye or anything. 

The  chick was eyeing up the big world outside the box.

The momma was keeping a close eye on me. I was only about 10 feet away.

 Yep! I am watching you!

Fun in the Sun

We have some serious nesting going on here. Instead of two Tree Swallows flitting around, there are about six.

 These guys should take care of the local mosquito population this year.

 Here are a couple of fly-bye-check-me-out passes. In other words, "pick me, I am the cutest"

 Some sort of air traffic control is probably in order.

New Neighbours!

When I built the fence just before my operation, I left 4 posts long and stuck bird houses on top of them It appears the bird below (Phoebe?, or wren?) is making a nest in a big hurry. Sorry, it's a House Wren.

 One of the other bird houses have attracted some tree swallows. They too, appear to be staking out turf. I am walking about, but not very far yet, so sitting on the deck chair waiting for action is more up my alley. Tomorrow, after Church, I am going to try a trip around the block. They say walking is good, and so far, no legs going to sleep, no stumbles and very little pain!

 Anyway, a big thank you to those that forwarded good healings and Prayers to me. They all were much appreciated!