May 31, 2007 - For the past 7-10 days, we were very happy to find a pair of tree swallows nesting in one of our birdhouses. Over the Memorial Day weekend, we were concerned because we didn't see the swallows by the birdhouse like we had been. One is usually perched outside the box, while the other is inside. I had even witnessed their mating, so I felt very attached to these birds.
One morning, Gary thought he saw an Eastern Bluebird checking out the box. I was skeptical, because I have never seen them in the yard. The very next day, I witnessed a male Bluebird and the male Tree Swallow fighting over the box, but I have yet to see one of the birds actually claim the box for their own. I am pretty sure the swallows laid eggs so I have a feeling they will not hatch, as it appears they have both abandoned the nest. I don't know whether to be happy at the sight of the bluebirds or sad about the loss of the tree swallows. We will put up more houses this summer in hopes they can both co-exist in the yard next year. |
