In a message reporting a (the) Yellow Headed Blackbird at Green Lake (good
to know this bird may have been around for some days) Bob Mauritsen also
asked about the swallow nest boxes placed at the north side of the lake, in
the habitat enhancement areas.

At the instigation of Ed Newbold these boxes were placed a few weeks ago
with Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) in mind. There are a few snags in
the area, but in past years every time I figured the Tree Swallows had laid
eggs, House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) or European Starlings (Sturnus
vulgaris) would oust the swallows. The nest box design officially is for
Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina), but ought to work for Tree
Swallows as well. The opening diameter ought to exclude sparrows and
starlings. The metal baffles on top are meant to keep the sparrows from
sitting above the opening and deny the swallows access. Thus far I have seen
Tree Swallows explore the boxes, but am not aware of any nesting going on.

Martin Muller, Seattle
MartinMuller at email.msn.com