tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021593729020197830.post2331445649681919458..comments2022-08-21T21:03:22.528-07:00Comments on Our Barn Swallow Friends: Bluebirds and Tree Swallows: We've Got Eggs!Adele Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12824495707217895954noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021593729020197830.post-70823712037434101602015-06-06T22:24:41.663-07:002015-06-06T22:24:41.663-07:00Hi Christer,
Thanks so much for your comment! Tr...Hi Christer,<br /><br />Thanks so much for your comment! Tree Swallows are in the swallow family, but they are not Barn Swallows. I think our Tree Swallows here in the US look much like the European House Martins (which are also in the swallow family), but I don't know if you have House Martins in Sweden. However House Martins and Tree Swallows, although similar in appearance, build different types of nests. House Martins build nests of mud, while Tree Swallows nest in pre-existing cavities. <br /><br />Yes, it was recommended to me that autumn is not too early to put nest boxes up on poles. I was told that the birds will notice them and remember their locations the following spring when they are searching for nesting sites.<br /><br />Also, putting nest boxes on poles helps guard against predators. Our main problem around here is roaming cats. I do have an indoor cat as a pet, but in this neighborhood we have feral cats who roam around and hunt for birds.<br /><br />I think that our Eastern Bluebirds are much like your European Robins although their colors are different. I believe they are about the same size, though, and they are friendly toward humans the way your Robins are. When the Northeastern US (the part we call "New England") was first settled by the English in the 1600's, the settlers noticed our Eastern Bluebirds and called them "Blue Robins" because they reminded them of the Robins back home.<br /><br />Thanks so very much for your interest in my blog!<br /><br />Best regards,<br />AdeleAdele Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12824495707217895954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021593729020197830.post-62784169554219994682015-06-06T07:26:32.866-07:002015-06-06T07:26:32.866-07:00I've been following this nest drama closely bu...I've been following this nest drama closely but haven't made any comment, sorry about that! <br /><br />Both birds are so beautiful! None of them live on this side of the ocean but I wonder if it is the same kind of barn swallow we have? I checked right now and it is but different sub species it seems.<br /><br />I've never thought of putting nests on poles like that, perhaps I should do that this autumn so they stanbd ready for the migrating birds next spring. I guess the most likely bird to move in would be the Eurasian Pied Flycatcher.<br /><br />It will be exiting to see how many there are when all eggs has hatched!<br /><br />Have a great day!<br />Christer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021593729020197830.post-67490196186238679812015-06-03T15:27:17.494-07:002015-06-03T15:27:17.494-07:00Thanks, Jim! This afternoon there were 5 eggs in ...Thanks, Jim! This afternoon there were 5 eggs in the Tree Swallow nest that I could see. But there was also a feather that could have been hiding 1 or 2 more eggs. I didn't know how to look under the feather without moving it and disturbing the nest; I am such a novice at this!Adele Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12824495707217895954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2021593729020197830.post-9024738845144644322015-06-03T14:03:52.158-07:002015-06-03T14:03:52.158-07:00Nine eggs and counting! Awesome! Great work and...Nine eggs and counting! Awesome! Great work and success with the new nest boxes! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com