Tree Swallow Housing Shortage

If you reside in the more northern climes, you still have time to treat the Tree Swallows to affordable housing!  Numbers are declining slowly as they lose their habitat to man and bird alike.  As cavity nesters, tree swallows can be found near water and prefer pileated woodpecker holes.  But between habitat destruction and the influx of starlings and house sparrows, their housing market is compromised.

Here is just one example of a set of plans to build a tree swallow house:

(http://www.coveside.biz/)

Use any wood which resists weathering for building nesting boxes.  A natural log effect can be achieved by using bits and pieces of wood with bark still intact.  These mill-slabs can be fouond in most sawmills, lumber yards, and firewood lots.  Slabs are usually cheaper than rouogh or dressed lumber.

The recommended minimum height above ground is 7 feet (2.1 meters)

 on a pole or in a tree in open areas near sight of water.

If you wish to paint your boxes, avoid bright colors.

Tree swallows are gregarious,

and an acre of land can accomodate up to 8 nesting pairs.

Their houses can actually be placed 10 feet apart.

A tree swallow usually lays 4 - 6 eggs, with an incubation period

of approximately 14 days.  The young leave the nest in about 16 - 20 days.

In my area, the tree swallows arrived mid-May of last year. 
My houses are going up next weekend just in case they are early.
I can't wait until I hear their sweet little chatter.

My favorite part about the return of the tree swallows? 
Being out in my kayak during the wee hours of the morning
while they swoop and circle around me catching their breakfast!

Click HERE for more interesting Nature Notes!

Thank you to Rambling Woods for this meme!

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