Hi. I am based in Louth, Ireland. Curious about swallows nests. Closed off nest access.Erected 2 man made ones. Any reason why they're not using them? (1 Viewer)

[Dunnehill]

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

Are the stairs used? Any activity going up and down them may put the birds off.

 

[Dunnehill]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

Are the stairs used? Any activity going up and down them may put the birds off.

Thank you. They are used a little. They are about 20 metres down around the corner though.. the other side. I wondered if I should put the old nests into them?

 

[Kits]

No, I wouldn't put the old nests in there.

 

[Lisa W]

Hi Dunnehill, welcome to the forum on behalf of the staff and moderators. I think you will find us a friendly and helpful group. Sorry, can’t help with your question.

 

[delia todd]

Hi Dunnehill and a warm welcome from me too.

Unfortunately I think you may have been given the wrong advice. Barn Swallows (the species which breed in the British Isles) nest inside buildings in an open cup nest. It is House Martins who nest high under the eaves of buildings (the eaves provide protection from rain and overhead sun). Have a look at this page on the RSPB site, scroll down to the Product Description and the bit about Siting Advice.

I've not researched but those boxes you have might be for House Martins?

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.

 

[Chris G6 UXU]

Hello and welcome to the forum, enjoy and all the best.

 

[Dunnehill]

Hi Dunnehill and a warm welcome from me too.

Unfortunately I think you may have been given the wrong advice. Barn Swallows (the species which breed in the British Isles) nest inside buildings in an open cup nest. It is House Martins who nest high under the eaves of buildings (the eaves provide protection from rain and overhead sun). Have a look at this page on the RSPB site, scroll down to the Product Description and the bit about Siting Advice.

I've not researched but those boxes you have might be for House Martins?

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.

Hi. Thank you so much. I got the wooden part made after reading on the swallow nest site that they needed to be placed under an eave. It certainly answers why they are not choosing to use them. What a shame. If I could I'd build a much bigger space for them 🥴

 

[Dunnehill]

Hi. Thank you so much. I got the wooden part made after reading on the swallow nest site that they needed to be placed under an eave. It certainly answers why they are not choosing to use them. What a shame. If I could I'd build a much bigger space for them 🥴

PS did you attach the page link somewhere?

 

[delia todd]

Oooops.... a Senior Moment! Apologies Dunnehill

Here it is now: Swallows nest cup - terracotta - Garden bird nest boxes

 

[Dunnehill]

Oooops.... a Senior Moment! Apologies Dunnehill

Here it is now: Swallows nest cup - terracotta - Garden bird nest boxes

Thank you

 

[Fritz73]

Hola! Welcome to Birdforum

 

[pianoman]

Hi Dunnehill. You may still get House Martins but you may have to be patient and wait till next year. I'd move one of those boxes right up to the very apex of the gable wall, they seem to prefer that. Sometimes hard to know exactly why swallows and JM choose the sites they do. Once they successfully nest though, they and their offspring tend to return year after year.

 

[Dunnehill]

Hi Dunnehill. You may still get House Martins but you may have to be patient and wait till next year. I'd move one of those boxes right up to the very apex of the gable wall, they seem to prefer that. Sometimes hard to know exactly why swallows and JM choose the sites they do. Once they successfully nest though, they and their offspring tend to return year after year.

Thank you. Great to get advice here and learn more re nesting preferences. Much appreciated

 

[KC Foggin]

Welcome aboard Dunnehill and enjoy