Subject: [Tweeters] Barn Swallows
Date: Jun 24 22:38:32 2009
From: Libby - efiene at comcast.net


Has anyone else had barn swallows come through in mid-May this year and
last, not stay, but then come back in July to nest? Barn swallows have
nested under our eaves since 1977 (at least). Every year they arrived
between April 25 and May 12, stayed for the whole summer, fledging two
families each year-usually 5 chicks in the first brood, 4 in the second.
Last year they came back on May 16, stayed around for 3 days then left. They
reappeared on July 8 and raised only 3 chicks that fledged on August 26.
This year three of them came on May 10, checked out the nest, then left. I
am hoping that they will be returning soon. I understand that this may have
to do with the weather and the availability of insects. What has me worried
is that after 30 years, this is occurring two years in a row. Any thoughts?
Libby Fiene, Lake Forest Park