Jim Lady asks:

>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.

Although it is true that barn swallows are not endangered, being
endangered is not a requirement for taking some action to allow these
birds to nest and rear their young. I recall reading somewhere that barn
swallow populations are in decline for unknown reasons. See if your
landlord will leave the nests alone till the young fledge.
The nests will only be active for a couple months and then the poop can be
hosed of the walls, etc. It is great fun to watch these birds in flight.
(They also eat mosquitoes for those who demand that other creatures show
some benefit to humans before they have the right to exist.)

Ed Schulz
Everett, WA
eschulz at eldec.com