They swoop, dive, and glide through the open space in the backyard. With their iridescent blue-green feathers glistening in the sun, they are a sight to behold as they snatch insects in mid-air flight. They are a pair of tree swallows, and I have been observing them for a while now.
These new friends made a nest in one of the bluebird houses, but it took some time before they decided to settle in. I watched as they visited the house several times over as many days, just checking things out the way anyone might who was contemplating moving into a new house in a new neighborhood. After the nest of pine needles and feathers took shape, there was the courting phase. They played and touched and talked, creating a gentle rhythm of sound and movement.
I feel as though I’ve gotten to know this pair, and they have come to tolerate me. The mother will watch as I tend the garden near the nest, and we talk (well, sort of). If I get a little too close there is a stern warning from dad – a reminder that we must respect each other’s space. There will be babies soon. Welcome additions to the neighborhood.
These new friends made a nest in one of the bluebird houses, but it took some time before they decided to settle in. I watched as they visited the house several times over as many days, just checking things out the way anyone might who was contemplating moving into a new house in a new neighborhood. After the nest of pine needles and feathers took shape, there was the courting phase. They played and touched and talked, creating a gentle rhythm of sound and movement.
I feel as though I’ve gotten to know this pair, and they have come to tolerate me. The mother will watch as I tend the garden near the nest, and we talk (well, sort of). If I get a little too close there is a stern warning from dad – a reminder that we must respect each other’s space. There will be babies soon. Welcome additions to the neighborhood.
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