Flash of Blue

This aerialist with deep-blue iridescent backs and clean white breast is one of the first birds to return every spring.  

Audubon.org

 

Meet Tachycineta bicolor – the tree swallow.  Tree Swallows are a familiar sight in the big grassy field north of the house and are quite fond of both the wetland features and the bluebird nest boxes that they’ve usurped.  

The males arrive earlier and claim nesting territory before the females return.  Their courtship ritual includes the male introducing the female to possible nest boxes.  After they’ve settled upon a suitable location the female builds a nest of grass, pine needles and other plant material.  After the first eggs are laid the nest is lined with feathers from other birds.  The female incubates the eggs for a couple of weeks and both parents feed the nestlings.  The young fledge about 18-22 days after hatching. 

Watching these acrobatic birds flashing their blue plumage in the sunlight is a delight.