Revisiting How to Keep Swallows From Building Nests...
monicakm_gw
13 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (114)
monicakm_gw
8 years agoAng M
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Arbors revisited: buying or building
Comments (18)Another thing for people in Southern CA to remember (not necessarily the Original Poster)-- any wood structures which touch the ground are going to rot out. And it will only take a few years. About the time the rose is really mature, the arbor will be trash. Really beautiful, high-dollar wooden arbors that LAST usually have massive uprights. Something like 4 x 4's -- AND they are treated. But for Heaven's sake, don't buy those cheap wooden arbors ready-made from every nursery and big-box store. I DO like the metal arbors we've gotten from various sources, including one with a neat gate, for $99., from Harbor Freight. I'm sure those have problems somewhere, but they do well here in SoCal. We've also gotten some good ones from Big Lots. Jeri...See MoreIdentifying nest... looks like BB nest but how to be sure?
Comments (3)Kathy -- when I went back out, I decided that BOTH nests look like they are primarily twigs, though there certainly are some more grass-like pieces as well as a few small seedheads (maybe dried sedum?) in the second one (it's also not as deep). I pulled out the one that was clearly all twigs (had a very deep "cup" in the middle but no eggs), but I left the other because I just wasn't sure. Here are the two pictures: first is the all-twig one that I removed today (how well do I need to clean out the box? I think there are a few twigs on the floor since I didn't have a brush with me). The second is the other box. Just a note: these two boxes are fairly close together because last year we had tree swallows and I had read that tree swallows and bluebirds will "share" space if there are two boxes. Swallows won't let another swallow pair nest nearby but will leave the bluebirds if they want the other house. I think what I read (on Audubon site or somewhere) was to put the two boxes about 10-15 feet apart. I know that's not what you do if you want actual bluebirds to use them both, but we were hoping to keep a pair of bluebirds in the one if the swallows returned this year (those swallows are GORGEOUS birds, too!)...See Morehow to protect a bird nest from cats
Comments (9)Hi there. I know you have come here for help and ideas. To be very honest cats will be cats and the only way to protect these babies (and all the others ones nesting that you dont see)is to keep the cats in the house. I know you are trying to help the strays too, please try to find them a no kill shelter or an organization that will spay/neuter and adopt them out. If you don't your neighborhood will be over run with cats. It's not the cats fault, just very bad cat owners that let them roam free. I love cats but I also love the birds, I have 4 cats, all rescued strays..and they do NOT go outside. Cats are not welcome on my property. Be aware this is a very hot topic, we understand you are trying to help but what I have said is the only sure way to protect wildlife of all kinds. Thanks for your concern....See MoreHelp! Other birds trying to take over barn swallow's nest
Comments (16)They are no different in Europe than anywhere else. It is true in the animal world it is hard to find a species that's completely innocent. Bluebirds will also kill and take over a nest if they have too. Barn swallows can do the same. I can give you a link with a story about swallows sealing a nest that a sparrow took over, and they sealed it with a sparrow inside (but the link is not in English). Swifts in Europe often take over a nest by killing the birds with its claws. The american cowbird is an angel compared to the European cuckoo bird :) I could continue with these kind of stories forever. Any way, I don't have a problem with your or anybody else's advise, but you should list all the possible solutions, not just YOUR favorite....See Moremonicakm_gw
8 years agoAng M
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agomonicakm_gw
8 years agoAng M
8 years agoNadine Bryant
8 years agomonicakm_gw
8 years agoEdward Koranteng
8 years agomonicakm_gw
8 years agoh mo
8 years agomonicakm_gw
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agomonicakm_gw
8 years agoswedish_pimple
8 years agoswedish_pimple
8 years agobnbenson5
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agoPyewacket
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agolucybcstx
8 years agoEdward Koranteng
8 years agosorie6 zone 6b
8 years agodjk296
8 years agomrwj1998
8 years agomrwj1998
8 years agomrwj1998
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agomrwj1998
8 years agoJordan Margavio
8 years agomonicakm_gw
8 years agoEdward Koranteng
8 years agoEdward Koranteng
8 years agomonicakm_gw
8 years agomonicakm_gw
8 years agoAmanda Hubner
8 years agoauntroz
8 years agolabirder
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agobmarkota
7 years agomonicakm_gw
7 years agoEmma Haslingden
7 years agolast modified: 7 years agoLaurel Hare
7 years agoMickey Zimmer
7 years agomonicakm_gw
7 years agolabirder
7 years agoswedish_pimple
7 years agoUser
7 years agoJessica Morrow
7 years agoPyewacket
6 years agoAbby Tate
5 years agokmws1234
5 years agoHU-251608415131910581061
5 years agoAunt Arctica
4 years ago
Related Stories
LANDSCAPE DESIGNLet's Revisit Some Revolutionary Garden Thinking
One book changed the vision of postwar British garden design forever. See how it's influencing your garden today
Full StoryROOM OF THE DAYThe Top 20 Rooms of the Day From 2015
We invite you to revisit your most beloved rooms over the past year
Full StoryGARDENING FOR BIRDSWhat to Know About Birds Nesting in Your Yard
Learn how to observe, record data and help ornithologists with NestWatch’s citizen science project understand bird trends
Full StoryLIFE8 Ways to Make an Extra-Full Nest Work Happily
If multiple generations or extended family shares your home, these strategies can help you keep the peace
Full StoryATTICSRoom of the Day: Awkward Attic Becomes a Happy Nest
In this master bedroom, odd angles and low ceilings go from challenge to advantage
Full StoryMODERN ARCHITECTUREKeep Your Big Windows — and Save Birds Too
Reduce bird strikes on windows with everything from architectural solutions to a new high-tech glass from Germany
Full StoryHOUZZ TOURSHouzz Tour: From Detached Garage to First Solo Studio
Postcollege, a daughter stays close to the nest in a comfy pad her designer mom created from the family's garage
Full StoryKIDS’ SPACESKeep the Kids Entertained at Home
Real family homes show ideas from simple to "someday" for helping kids stay active, engaged and out from underfoot this summer
Full StoryCONTRACTOR TIPS6 Lessons Learned From a Master Suite Remodel
One project yields some universal truths about the remodeling process
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESTop Design Trends From the Winter 2015 Las Vegas Market
Interior designer Shannon Ggem is tracking finishes, motifs and design combinations at the 2015 show
Full Story
monicakm_gwOriginal Author