I had barn swallows nesting in the eaves of my front porch for many years. Last year, a powerwasher guy knocked down the under construction nest that was there, despite me telling him to leave it alone. They did not return last year, and so far I haven’t seen them this year, either, which makes me sad. However, my chimney swifts just returned this week, so we’re in for some noisy times in the living room!
Perhaps that’s the answer - mosquitos have not arrived, either…?
[QUOTE=Foxtrot’s;8650756]
Perhaps that’s the answer - mosquitos have not arrived, either…?[/QUOTE]
ours have…though they’ve been laying low this past – cold – week!
Just went outside to feed dinner — THEY’RE HERE!!! May 5th. Swooping in and out of their old haunts…checking to see if anybody moved the furniture I think.
they arrived a week or so ago,but the light fixture that 2 of the nests are on died.so i hung up a trouble light and that will have to do until they are gone.the boarders are all good with that.
They are back working on their old corner — but last night my mare rubbed her tail so the midges are back also - good timing, and now she has to wear her pyjamas at night.
Mine are back too!
Saw them on Thursday evening
Thought I saw a couple yesterday. Definitely saw them today.
I hope somebody revives this thread next year, so we can compare.
Aren’t they amazing little things, and the hummingbirds.
Do we assume they are the same old pairs that keep coming, plus some of their kids? They must have done studies…
I believe it’s the same birds that are returning.
There have been hummingbird studies that show it to be so by tagging them.
Years ago before I realized the hummers return on schedule, and before I had put out the feeders, I had one hum around the space on the porch where a feeder had hung the year before. He circled the empty space, scratching his head, thinking, I could have sworn there was a feeder here last summer.
You’re in good company, we’re on our 3rd year with this thread!
[QUOTE=tucktaway;8653757]
You’re in good company, we’re on our 3rd year with this thread! :)[/QUOTE]
It’s pretty much the way I keep my swallow return records! Search for this thread and see when they returned the previous year!
Weird. I’m so far south and my pair showed up this afternoon. We acquired them along with the shedrow so they have been here two summers now. Yesterday or the day before we got checked out by a hummer flying up to the window and looking inside. Honest, that’s what it did. Orioles are here as well, but I think they keep going.
It’s amazing how they know - my hummers know exactly when the pink chestnut tree blooms regardless of weather or date…everything is early this year, so are they.
My swallows that returned May 2nd, are happy and setting in their new nest IN the barn. Couldn’t keep the barn doors shut enough to keep them out. They finished the nest in one day when I had to leave the doors open. Interesting to see them flip up on a wingtip to fly vertically thru the slot of barely open doors! Horses have been changed to night turnout (again) with weather warming up, so doors will be open again during day hours. Birds were quite determined to nest in the barn. We also have a nesting Robin up in the sawdust shed. She watches us walking by.
FINALLY!
Swallows are back at 2 Dogs <does Happy Dance>
I’ve seen nests, but thought maybe they were last year’s I just hadn’t noticed.
Then this morning I saw my first swallow 
No hummingbirds yet.
Hung the feeder on my porch almost a month ago, then it got cold again with the weird, psycho Spring we’ve been having.
Anyone in the Midwest spy hummers?
barn swallows are back in Winnipeg - may be mad though about the hay shed, there’s a pair of crows currently in residence with 3 chicks. May end up with the hay shed pairs nesting in the barn alongside the barn pair.
We have them now here in Mono, Ontario !
This is our first spring at the new farm, so happy to see them swooping in and out! Just love watching them!
I am hoping the swallows show up soon…I miss them
Saw them in the hayloft yesterday.
