Tree Swallows have not returned to Maine yet, but when they do, I have the nest boxes ready for them. I love spending a summer afternoon sitting in the shade, sipping iced tea and watching Swallows hawk insects in mid-air.
The cove and marsh off our back yard hosts hundreds of Tree and Barn Swallows during the summer months. Occasionally, we see a Cliff Swallow passing through. The peak of the activity happens when the tide rises, flooding the mud flats. Insects take to the air because of the rising waters which in turn stirs the Swallows into a feeding frenzy. Fledglings wait for the adults to bring them the delicious morsels that help them grow strong.
From the archives, I bring you these two photos for Bird Photography Weekly: a fledgling Tree Swallow waiting for the adult, and the adult feeding the fledgling. Click thumbnails for larger view.
Fledgling Tree Swallow
Adult Tree Swallow feeding fledgling
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Sounds like a wonderful summer
Those are very nice pics. That will be fun to see this year’s updates!
Great photos! I am always amazed at how much of the adult’s head disappears inside the mouth of the juvenile!
The swallows haven’t returned to northern Utah either. But it’s about that time. I’ve seen a few flying insects out and that heralds their arrival.
Thanks Red, Mick and Sparverius! Swallows should be returning to Maine sometime in April.
Great photos!!! I love the Barn Swallows they fly by my yard. They have the most hyper cries and remind me of a goldfinch somehow with their pitch. Can’t wait to hear them this summer.
Precious photos!
Thanks Kim and kaholly!
Amazing photos and a fascinating study of the adult and fledgling Tree Swallow!
In answer to your inquiry – In the north here, I think the Bald Eagles probably don’t begin nesting until April or May.
Excellent shots. I`m waiting for summer so that I can see some swallows here.
Thank you April & Tom!
April, Thanks for answering my question. I was actually inquiring if the nest building process had begun, instead of nesting activity in itself. I should have more clear.
Beautiful! Who can resist such darling photos? Great captures!
Awesome captures of the female Tree Swallow feeding her young! Those chicks do have gaping mouths don’t they? I have a couple of Tree Swallows claiming houses already this week!
One of my favorite things to do is simply sit and watch swallows fly. To me they are the acrobats of the sky. It pleases me to no end just to watch their unbelievable maneuvers. I hope to see some more swallow updates later in the year John
Excellent timing on these photographs! Our tree swallows have not fledges yet here in Southern California.
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