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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Chickadeedeedee" data-source="post: 1535191" data-attributes="member: 31336">And then ..... there was GOOD news! :t:Been taking the Swallows outside so they can start doing what they need to do.  They sit on their branch. They DO NOT move! :stuck:  :stuck:Entertained them yesterday with a display of MY flying insect catching abilities ...with the aid of a butterfly net :'D. They were impressed with the tastey  tiny gnats I caught and served up to them ... served ala net, dontchaknow?  :-O  *Almost* caught a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird too!  Eeeeeekkkk!  |8.| She too was interested in the gnats.  She flew through the little swarm just as I was taking the net through as well!  She then flew onto a branch in the Olive Tree.  First of all I can't risk injuring her if she's accidently netted and second ... she's soooo tiny. I don't want to take HER food away from her or her chicks, if she has any yet, .... sooooo I reversed the net and released whoever I had caught and took my "show" to the front garden.  Mrs. Hummer resumed her feedings undisturbed. :t:We moved the branch to an area where the tiny gnats were hovering. Sounds all impressive but in reality I was standing in the front garden with arm outstretched holding the Swallows on their branch. I was not trying to entertain the neighbours or the travelers who drove by ... that's where there happened to be a concentration of flying insects.  Any way .... Success!  First one and then the other started to snatch the tiny gnats from the air and then both took flight and were swooping and catching the tiny morsels. :t:  A small group of Chimney Swifts twittered over head and the Swallows returned to my shoulder.  We looked around for more gnats or small insects but didn't really see anything too promising.We had a successful late afternoon lesson and went back inside.  I'm sure today's learning experience will be even better!  Ahh the things we do for those we love! :flowers:</blockquote>

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