Irene, I have a pair of Violet-green swallows
that have nested in a nest box attached to my house for the last 4 years.
Every year they arrive in March and after checking the house out VERY
thoroughly each time, they begin the task of nest building. But this year
they seem to be busy elsewhere because after their initial arrival, I have
only seen them every few days. But they are still checking out the house.
In past years I have put out dryer lint and also brushed out dog fur. They
love that, but the funniest thing I ever found in their nest was curling
ribbon - evidently from someone's trash can!
Good birding!
Dayna (Bothell, Wa)