Jim,
>
>My question is, when they return this year, if I tear down the nest as
>soon as they start to build, will this encourage them to build elsewhere?
>I don't want the landlord to tear down the nest when the eggs have already
>been laid.
>
>I know barn swallows aren't exactly on the endangered list, but still, one
>does get attached to them when you see them every day.
>
>Jim Lady
>Columbia Basin Research
>University of Washington
>jlady at u.washington.edu
>
>
Jim,

Last spring my neighbor was having some work done on his deck. The workmen
came a few days after the swallows had started building their nests. The
activity, including some hosing of estsites, was sufficient incentive for
the swallows to consider alternatives, which how they ended up in my carport.

They had a successful season fledging four young. They haven't shown up yet
but I expect them any day, as does my subaru "ol spot".

Mike
Mike Waller
Woodland Park Zoological Gardens
5500 Phinney Avenue N.
Seattle, Washington 98103
Ph:(206)684-4057
Fax:(206)684-4817
e-mail: mwaller at wolfenet.com