It may still be early in the breeding season in many parts of North America, but this week's featured bird may already be nesting - the tree swallow is the earliest returning migrant swallow on the continent. With brilliant blue and white plumage, these graceful swallows with their chirpy calls and insectivorous appetites are always welcome.
Have you seen tree swallows yet this spring? Share your sightings in the comments!
Tree Swallow
Photo © Chris
Comments
Tree swallows come back to our place in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia very early each spring, several at first. Almost like a scouting party! Then they are gone, but later some appear and stay. They love my bluebird houses, and are quite pushy. We have tried putting two houses in closer proximity than either bluebirds or swallows would tolerate to another of its own species. The thought is that swallows could have one house and bluebirds the other. Also we have about 12 bluebird houses on our 48 acres, so there is room for all.
I love to see both species cleaning up both the flying bugs and the crawling bugs!
I live in Indianapolis Indiana and this week end my husband put up a blue bird box in our back yard. This morning I looked out and was so excited when I seen blue feathers sitting on top of the bird house. Took some pictures of it and seen it was a tree swallow. I watched them all day make thier nest. Never had a swallow in my yard before.
I live in Temple PA and have never seen a tree swallow until this past Sunday (Apr.28). When I left for church, there was a pair setting up house keeping in a bird house that I had put out last fall for decoration.
I finally identified the tree swallows making their home in a birdhouse which has not been used for two years. They are so graceful and quite the acrobats. I hope they will return for years to come. York County, VA