The Aerialist

I snapped the photo above in April of 2011 While turkey hunting; which for reasons of being concealed in a blind is good for all manner of wildlife observations.

Meet Tachycineta bicolor - the tree swallow. 

This blue-green feathered bird is an early spring arrival and they are a delight to observe as they are spectacular aviators who hunt flying insects.

As a cavity-nesting species this bird had historically been found only in wooded habitat where they nested in tree cavities.  However, the distribution of nest boxes by songbird enthusiasts has allowed for the expansion of its range to include open habitats,  They compete with bluebirds and house wrens for rights to nest in our boxes.  

I the photo the two birds were engaging in their courtship ritual and selection of a nest box.  I observed the very same ritual while turkey hunting this April; only it was bluebirds.  

And if you follow this blog the courtship, along with other nesting sites, has yielded another batch of bluebird hatchlings calling for cigars all-around.

But I digress. 

With regard to the tree swallows; both birds gather materials as the female constructs a cup-shaped nest of grass lined with feathers.  Four to seven small eggs follow about a week after mating. 

I took this photo the same day I took the bluebird hatchling photo immediately above. As soon as eggs are laid mama lines her nest with feathers gathered from all species.  They are incubated by mom for a couple of weeks and after hatching both birds feed the young who fledge at about three weeks of age.

Aside from being splendid aerialists the tree swallow is fearless. Evidenced above, mama swallow is not to be shifted from sitting on her clutch of eggs if some galoot pokes his nose in to take a photo .

Nest predation typically occurs by snakes, raccoons, weasels and cats. Birds on the wing can be picked-off by most any of the resident raptors.  It is during this critical nesting period I have to wear a ball cap when walking the dog as we get dive-bombed when approaching an active nest.

By the time August rolls-around these bird are gone.  Vamoosed!

They leave their breeding grounds to congregate in large flocks in marshy areas with plenty of flying insects to feed-upon.  From there they migrate to Florida, Cuba, Central and South America.  Other than the dive-bombing it is a hoot to watch this talented aerialist.