barn swallow

All posts tagged barn swallow

Last of the swallow babies

Posted by kenleighacres on September 6, 2011
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: , , . 4 Comments

With a 330′ barn, we have a LOT of spots for the swallows to nest.  I really enjoy watching the parents feeding their babies and watching the babies grow and eventually leaving the nest.

The babies are a little ‘alien’ looking…

especially when they open their mouths and start screaming for their meal.

The parents are constantly flying in and out feeding the little ones.  I like a lot of things about the swallows, but it is their bug catching abilities that I appreciate the most.

The swallow population is strong here.  I counted almost 100 of them lined up on the telephone line the other day, but Fall is in the air and they will be leaving soon.  I will look forward to their return next year.

Little Treasures

Posted by kenleighacres on July 20, 2010
Posted in: family, Farm Life. Tagged: , , , . 3 Comments

While we were putting this year’s hay in the barn, we found a little treasure.

A barn swallow nest.

and look…there was an egg tucked away inside. 

I love the variety of feathers in this nest.

I hate removing the nests because I LOVE the swallows, but this one was going to be smashed by the hay and it was just too pretty.  It seemed to be abandoned, so it was a little easier.

I know a lot of people think these birds are pests – but they are one of my favorites.

The babies are an ‘ugly’ cute 🙂

The parents stay busy feeding the babies lots of bugs!  One of the reasons I like them so much.

In addition to barn swallows, we also have a healthy population of tree swallows.  They build their nests in these bird houses on our front porch.   

Can you see the baby peeking out?  There are 3 in there and they are almost ready to fledge (fly away from the nest).      

I feel very fortunate that our property has so many little treasures to share with us.