Peggi writes:

>We hung up a box over the weekend and had lots of interest from the
>violet-green swallows. But no takers. The box is on the southeast corner
>of the house and gets sunshine from dawn till around 1:00 - that's assuming
>we ever get some sunshine.

>Plenty of room to swoop around and land on the box (which they were doing
>with enthusiasm).

>Am I just being impatient or should we consider moving the box? This is my
>first try and nesting boxes.

My impression is that the swallows will check things out for a while, even
a couple weeks, before starting nest building. I would interpret the fact
that they are checking it out as a really good sign. Once they decide to
build it will only take a day or two to build the nest. I'm not an expert
on VG swallows, but it sounds promising from the couple years of
experience I've had with my box. I recommend waiting for another week or
so. You'll see them bringing grass when they start building. Good luck!

Ed Schulz
Everett, WA
eschulz at eldec.com