Clippyhed
Member
I have been watching a nest of barn swallows on the eave of my porch. I can see them through a small window in my front door without disturbing them. It's been a little over 2 weeks, and a baby fledged today. We thought he was dead because he was so very still, & seemed to have plunged into the concrete. He isn't dead, but continues to be very still, & hasn't left the porch. The other 3 are still in the nest, looking around. They all still have a little bit of down on them.
All day, I have been intrigued by the behavior of about 5 or 6 adult barn swallows. They are all flying & swooping like crazy right around the porch. I haven't seen Mom or Dad offer any food, but they have stopped a few times to sit up by the nest & chatter. Are they trying to encourage the others to fledge? Is this a typical activity for a large group, encouraging fledglings? Could they be concerned about the one lying there (trying to keep predators away)?
This has been going on for hours & it's fascinating. I understand the parents flying around, but I can't find anything that would explain the involvement of the other birds. I'm pretty new to all this, so any insight is appreciated.
All day, I have been intrigued by the behavior of about 5 or 6 adult barn swallows. They are all flying & swooping like crazy right around the porch. I haven't seen Mom or Dad offer any food, but they have stopped a few times to sit up by the nest & chatter. Are they trying to encourage the others to fledge? Is this a typical activity for a large group, encouraging fledglings? Could they be concerned about the one lying there (trying to keep predators away)?
This has been going on for hours & it's fascinating. I understand the parents flying around, but I can't find anything that would explain the involvement of the other birds. I'm pretty new to all this, so any insight is appreciated.
