I am so interested to see this thread, as I had noted a conspicuous absence of V-G Swallow activity in the past week, and was worried that they had abandoned the nest box they used successfully in 2007 and 2006. I was on the verge of getting out the ladder and having a look. But yesterday we saw a swallow go in and stay in, and later I saw more comings and goings. Also today. I still don't know whether they have eggs or chicks or are just having another try, but I don't want to disturb them!

About a week or ten days ago we observed a male V-G vociferously chasing away a HOSP; before that a V-G scolded me when I began gardening near their box, but calmed down when I talked to it. But in the following days it got very quiet. I do think it's the unusually cold wet weather.

Like others, I've seen plenty of other species' fledglings. Our feeders have been heavily used by parents feeding begging chicks -- Hairy Woodpeckers, R-B Nuthatches, and both species of chickadees (and the young soon figuring out how to feed themselves). We've seen young D-E Juncos, Pine Siskins, Robins, and many many Rufous -- so many they sometimes actually share the same feeder. Needless to say, the Starlings have been hounded by sets of their screeching chicks, and HOSPs are probably on their third broods in the "deck rookery" next door.

I hope other posters will follow up with their observations.

Good luck with the nest boxes!

Kristi
Anacortes
khc
at
picturesandwords.com