The New Tenants

Day 259: The House of Chirp hadn't been vacant for more than four or five days when prospective new tenants began requesting walk-throughs. It rented out quite quickly, and I suspect that it's a renewal of the former lease. If you look closely at the photo, you will see a third bird inside the main apartment.

Young swallows are fed on the wing for some time after they fledge. Could the third bird be one of the pair's offspring? That's one theory. Another possibility is that a third adult has been engaged as a "nest-helper," an occupation seen more frequently in crows and ravens. The nest-helper is usually a first-year adult who is being schooled in the art of chick-rearing, starting with nest construction and concluding with eventual flight lessons. The nest helper also provides food for the hatchlings, giving the parents a break and time to fulfill their own dietary needs.

This event marks the second time the House of Chirp has held a second clutch; the first was last year. Several factors might be in play in the magic equation: climate change, weather, availability of food among them. In any event, I may get to see another crop of little Tree Swallow "gilligans" take wing in a month or so.

Double-Clutching

Day 269: And you thought "double-clutching" was something to do with cars! After the kids went winging off from the House of Chirp, I was surprised to see activity at the door. Two adults (one notably browner) began setting up housekeeping in the vacant nesting box. I've never had a double clutch in any of the boxes, and the only factor I've noticed which might have influenced the second occupation is that the first pair nested quite early. The House of Chirp has never failed to produce a 100% successful brood, something which can't be said for Pussywillow Cottage which has been plagued by wasps, squirrels and this year, starlings. This new setting should have plenty of time to hatch and fly before the heat of summer arrives.