We’re getting some good looks at our tree swallow chicks this afternoon. Still haven’t gotten a clear enough view to count them. I’m sure there are at least four, I think there’s a fifth. How many can you count? 

Mom and dad have been spending more time out of the box today. They’ve been chatting on their ‘deck’ – the perch clamped to the hummingbird feeder. Our kingbirds and catbirds are still hunting around the yard – a catbird sat on our wellhead and told the dogs off this afternoon. But, I haven’t seen them on the swallow’s deck. 

Checking in on our swallows today. Both parents have been busy feeding the chicks. Still can’t tell how many chicks there are. There are at least three. 

A quick peek in at our tree swallows. Mom and dad have been busy hauling food in throughout the day. We’ve had catbirds and kingbirds perching on what the swallows think is their perch not far from the box. The swallows have been very careful not to leave the nest untended. There’s almost always an adult in the box. When one returns, it calls on approach to the box and the one inside heads out. Not sure if that’s how swallows always work, or if the outsiders have them keeping a closer eye on the chicks. 

At least some of the tree swallow chicks have hatched. Still can’t see what’s going on through all the feathers, but watch closely and you’ll see some tiny chicks. Here, dad pops in to give mom a break. She comes back by the end of the video. 

Not much news from our tree swallows. They’re still sitting on the eggs, which we can’t see. This clip shows Mrs. heading out for lunch and Mr. coming in to sit while she’s out. 

Mrs. tree swallow continue to sit on her eggs in her feather bed. We still can’t see much, but here’s a quick update.

A little hard to tell exactly what’s going on in our boxes. Both the swallow and the wren are sitting on their nests. But, I can’t get a good look to see how many eggs they’ve got. 

Mrs. Swallow has imported a number of feathers into the box. The last time we could see the eggs, there were four. Swallows usually lay five to seven, so your guess is as good as anyone’s. 

Still haven’t gotten a good view of the swallow’s eggs. I think there are at least five, but can’t be certain. Mrs. Swallow spent much of the day in the box. There was some excitement this afternoon when at least one Eastern kingbird fledgling sheltered in the azaleas below the box. The kingbird parents and swallows had a brief discussion before the kingbirds moved on. Here’s Mrs. Swallow in the box.

Today is the sixth day since our tree swallow laid her first egg. Usually they lay one per day until they have five to seven eggs. Mrs. Swallow has imported a bunch of feathers and I can’t see how many eggs she has. I know she got to four. She’s spending most of her time in the box, often sitting looking out the door. Mr. Swallow perches on the stick clamped to the hummingbird feeder most of the day. 

Here’s what Mrs. was up to this afternoon.

Another day, another egg for our tree swallows.