Where are the swalllows
 

Every year, Cindy & I look forward to the return of the tree swallows here. This year, so far...only a few "scout" swallows spotted, then they vanished from sight.

Anybody else noticing this bird shortage?

...burp...

Maybe they got lost because I've seen them swooping my yard and under the eaves of my house. We never get them locally.

The little bastards are building mud nest after mud nest in the entryway to my freshly painted entryway. Have been knocking them down all week. If they don't get the message, the .22 rat shot is coming out in the old Charter Arms stovepipe soon as they hover just out of reach in the front yard when I tear down the "new mud".:mad:

Thanks Terry. Maybe just not here yet. Okay, I'm a soft hearted dude...really look forward to their return each year...I even give them free apartments.

A link with a pic:
http://www.birdweb.org/birdweb/bird_details.aspx?id=322#pictures

I don't see them around Capistrano any more either. We went to the mission last year and some people didn't know what I was talking about. They still have the big Swallows coming home parade but I don't think there are many around. They must not like the people.

African or European?

Saw a bunch out here. Also Geese. Saw a bunch of geese this year.

Those aren't tree swallows...different species. FWIW, you'll be facing some nasty fines if caught harming them.

Huh? I-- I don't know that. Auuuuuuuugh!

Blame it on Bush and Global Warming. All kidding aside, I think they, like all migratory birds are sensitive to climate change and opportunity. I read an article recently where migratory birds are flocking back to Owens Lake, a salt bed since the 1930's in the Bishop, CA area that has been dry since then due to the water grab by Los Angeles. Under court order, the dry lake bed has been flooded with an inch or so of water and the birds have shifted their migratory patterns. I have about an acre flood control basin in front of my house and in wet winters the ducks are flocking there in dry winters, no ducks.

You are correct. Ours are "barn swallows" and the little beggars are dive-bombing fools. We have houses for the Purple Martins in our back yard, but these swallows are just plain mean. Fine or no, there will be "pfffft-pfffft" sounds rather shortly if they continue their unwanted squatting.;)

Maybe some mesh/netting mounted to foil the nest building?

Nah, It's right outside the front door under the eave of my entryway. (would trap too many bugs as we leave a light on out there every night). Have been knocking down the mud for a week now. I'll give them until this weekend to relocate. I might place my old plastic owl out there tomorrow and see if that does the trick.

Plastic owl a good idea...decades ago, my daughter was flying a kite that had a hawk motif...hawk on it's front. The tweety birds in the area went NUTZO!

Spray some pepper spray where they are trying to build a nest

Roux i can show you how to build an IED if you want.

That'll get rid of 'em.

Projects for today:

1. find owl
2. dust off owl
3. Modify with Pelican sticker for added "stun value"
4. Put "Hootie" in service against swallows.

(we'll see how this plays out...already removed more mud this morning);)


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1240410547.jpg

Paul,
They're in Medford, like crazy.
Troy

if a stork brings a baby what type of bird prevents one?

Put a fake snake around where they want to be, one of those wood or rubber things you get in curio shops.

Update...The tree swallows have returned here....birdhouses now hanging, already being inspected by the little beauties. Cindy & I quite happy. Evidently, they're just late this year. Probably following insect hatches as they journey north...:D

Paul, I have some bad news for you and Cindy.

Migratory birds are generally declining over North America, for various reasons.

More on tree Swallows:
http://www.wbu.com/chipperwoods/photos/treeswallow.htm


RooRoo - You need to change their habitat - over your door - so they will nest somewhere else. You DO want them on your property - unless you enjoy being bitten by mosquitos.

Paul is also correct re the serious penalties and possible [but not likely] term in a federal prison for harming migratory birds - including swallows. A friend of mine got gigged for just netting birds (and then banding and releasing them for hiw research). He did not have the right permits and told FWS to "Back off Buddy, I'm a scientist" when they nabbed him.

A fun movie line, but the wrong answer. He is still recovering from his defense attorney fees. They did not imprison him, but put him n the stocks (public shaming before all his colleagues). Dunno if they fined him. He did NOT kill any birds.

Mine are missing this year. Fine with me. They are fun to see but the mess the make is horrible. I hate having to clean all the mud up with the powerwasher. They were not fooled by the plastic owl or the snakes. Dammit.

Love watching the barn swallows around here. They are the F15's of the bird world. When I'm mowing my lawn they swoop, dive bomb all around the mower as I'm displacing insects. Really cool to watch.
Now what ever happened to the rare female swallow? ;)

I think they were replaced by the more common "Spitz".

Right now, it seems that "Hootie" is working. Swallows flying around, but no new mud.

RWebb, don't worry. their habitat will be DRASTICALLY changed if they don't choose to relocate. This "ain't no housin' project"....And yes, I have provided beautiful housing for the Purple Martins who work in the airspace around my yard. I choose to discriminate.;)

- you need a Robo-Owl!

Google it...