We've had only TREE SWALLOWS taking up residence in our birdhouses until
this weekend, when the first EASTERN BLUEBIRDS showed up - at least three
individuals seen (they were flying around simultaneously and scuffling).  I
haven't confirmed nesting yet, but it appears that the bluebirds may have
successfully defended at least one house against the swallows-a bluebird was
seen perched on top of the house, refusing to be intimidated by a group of
dive-bombing swallows.  

 

We had one EABL nest last year that fledged a brood successfully, but in a
different house, so this is quite exciting.  Hopefully this pair will be
successful in establishing a nest.  I love the swallows too, but it's great
to get at least one pair of EABL.

 

One of our other houses has been changing "hands" almost daily-the fight is
on between a pair (or perhaps more than one pair) of swallows and a male
House Sparrow who has bonded with the box.  He does not seem to have mated -
there are just the beginnings of a nest in there, and I can't even tell
whose efforts are responsible for the small amount of material -- and
there's been no female HOSP in sight.  Sometimes the box has one or two tree
swallows perched on it, other times the sparrow, and at least a couple of
times a day, I watch the swallows making a huge fuss trying to chase the
sparrow away.  

 

Miriam Lawrence

Monkton