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Our Swallow Babies, 2007 |
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This is a Gilbertson PVC bluebird nesting box that we have in our backyard. It has been tested and approved by North American Bluebird Society Minnesota Bluebird Recovery Program, and provides a nesting location for wrens, bluebirds, tree swallows, and chickadees. We bought this one from our local bird store, and we liked it so much that we bought another one directly from Steve Gilbertson. |
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Someone's been busy. The swallows have started to build their nest inside the nest box. In this picture, the swallows are still in the process of building the nest as evidenced by the lack of feathers in the nest, which are used to help line the nest before eggs are laid. |
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The swallows have started laying their eggs. They will lay one egg a day, and we ended up with a total of seven eggs. |
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A tree swallow stands guard over the nest box and eggs. A tree swallow won't sit on her eggs until they have all been laid to ensure that all of the eggs hatch at about the same time. |
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They've hatched! Seven little swallows make their way into the world. |
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At a little over a week old, the babies peak out of the nesting box hole, chirping to be feed and waiting for the parents to bring them food. At this point, with the swallows being more active, I am a bit nervous about continuing to monitor in case the birds fall out of the box. |
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