The Swallows
The Swallows have returned to our woodshed and other sheds out back and other places with hollows like tree centers or under big tree bark.
We are happy they have cleverly come back at the exact time that the mosquitoes and flies hatch. They are ravenous from the journey but looked pretty healthy and spry.
We have a pretty good brood this year.
They showed up Easter Sunday.
First one, a sentinel, I believe, sits and chatters on the line for Fred to take down the window that keeps the North wind out in the winter.
Then a couple more showed up, letting us know their priority is to move into their version of summer camp.
Fred got up on the ladder and took down the window.
Within a minute the first swallow went in.
That evening, we could hear quite a chatter as the birds
were tidying their nests.
Then I heard a different noise, then they all went quiet. I believe it was an older bird shushing the others.
We are grateful to them for helping with our insect control.
We saw a couple of bats last year max. I hope they can recover from their near extinction in this area. So swallows are welcome and we hope they come back for years to come.
More signs of spring
Forsythia:
 |
| swallow, monkton, vt |
The Swallows have returned to our woodshed and other sheds out back and other places with hollows like tree centers or under big tree bark.
We are happy they have cleverly come back at the exact time that the mosquitoes and flies hatch. They are ravenous from the journey but looked pretty healthy and spry.
We have a pretty good brood this year.
They showed up Easter Sunday.
First one, a sentinel, I believe, sits and chatters on the line for Fred to take down the window that keeps the North wind out in the winter.
Then a couple more showed up, letting us know their priority is to move into their version of summer camp.
Fred got up on the ladder and took down the window.
Within a minute the first swallow went in.
That evening, we could hear quite a chatter as the birds
were tidying their nests.
Then I heard a different noise, then they all went quiet. I believe it was an older bird shushing the others.
We are grateful to them for helping with our insect control.
We saw a couple of bats last year max. I hope they can recover from their near extinction in this area. So swallows are welcome and we hope they come back for years to come.
More signs of spring
Forsythia:
I cut some forsythia for a vase on the kitchen table today. Thank you for this post!
ReplyDeleteThe Robins showed up last week. The spring rains came, they feasted on fat nightcrawlers. Love this time of year.
ReplyDeleteThanks Meredith and Mary for your comments! happy spring! It has been a very hard winter for all. mary
ReplyDeleteYes indeed it was. This spring we are safely in a bubble of cold air and still dealing with a windchill and even snow. The storms going around us are so strong and deadly and nothing I can do.
ReplyDelete