I went to Edmonds marsh this afternoon. Both Violet-green Swallow adults were going to the nest box they use. At each of the two boxes in use by Tree Swallows, I saw an adult male poke its head out. It seems as if there are surviving hatchlings in the Violet-green box because of the adult activity. In the Tree Swallow boxes it is impossible to know at this time if the adults are still incubating eggs (that might no longer be viable due to the extreme heat) or whether there are hatchlings.

I did determine that ventilation holes I could see are inadequate for an extreme heat event. We will enlarge them in August. Because of the layout of the marsh, I don't immediately see a way to move the boxes to locations where they can have afternoon shade. We will think about that.

I wonder if, in the future, nest boxes should be made of thicker wood to more closely approximate that of a nest cavity in a snag. I would think, without knowing for certain, that it would provide greater protection from extreme heat, particularly with the addition of adequate ventilation holes.

Carol Riddell
Edmonds, WA