Tree Swallow has Returned for 2009

[Fred Kaluza]

First seen about 40 minutes ago, my little Tree Swallow has returned to the place he always comes on first arrival! This is fully 11 days earlier than last year (or else I didn't see him on first arrival last year). He seemed a little agitated and not his normal calm self. There was a hawk in the area so maybe that's why. As is his habit, he usually makes an appearance early in the morning in order to make sure no other bird is laying claim to his cavity and then he just hangs out for an hour or so. He must be 3 or 4 years old by now so maybe he's having a hard time reading his calendar. I suspect he then spends the rest of the day scouting out developing food sources and remembering their locations so he can return quickly when the need arrives to feed heavily for the young ones. I'll have to spend some time at the PMCA site to check but many people are seing a steady trend towards earlier arrivals citing slowly rising global temperatures as the cause. I don't know if this is peculiar just to birds closer to their northern limits or if it's being felt across their entire ranges. This year I have my other swallow housing up already so in case I get those Rough-Wings, Barn Swallows or Cliff Swallows nosing around here, they will find something to their liking I hope. Keep looking up!

[IL KIM]

Glad to hear Fred! I put my shepard's hook and gourd out today and 15 minutes later, my tree swallows returned!

[Fred Kaluza]

They were probably in the area waiting for you! Our little friends have come a long way!

[Louis King//CUL Lou]

Fred. What do you use for Barnies? I've seen them around the area for ages, but never have been able to get any to nest. Two years ago, I put up some corn cobs on a board, on the side of my garage. Nothing. This year I'm using some faucet protectors (Bought at Lowe's) cut in half and glued to a board. Anyone have any better suggestions (that won't break my checking account) or ideas? I know of at least two big ancient barns that burned during the late fall/winter, plus at least one that I know of that blew down in high winds. Hoping to attract some, and let them live here. ha ha. Any help or suggestions welcomed. CUL Lou

[Fred Kaluza]

Lou, I think your foam faucett protectors will be great enticement if you happen to have any come looking. I've not had luck with Barn Swallows yet but do occasionally get lookers whom are interested in a suspended old "shelf" with end-pieces just wired-up under the eves of my garage. It's also where my Bondo "gourd" is attached and it actually looks like a real good imitation of a Cliff Swallow nest.

[Joyce]

I looked out the window yesterday and there was a tree swallow checking out his nestbox from last year. I think he is a week earlier than last year. It sure was good to see him. Joyce

[Fred Kaluza]

Thanks for the reminder Joyce! I will begin looking out for "mine" again starting tomorrow. It's supposed to be getting cold again over night so I hope they're not too early. Fred in Warren.