Last summer, the House of Chirp stood empty for the first time in 30 years, and it wasn't until I typed those words that it hit me: 30 years. That's a long time for a bird house to be in annual use. During that time, I had only one failed clutch, something else which seems like it should go in the record books. Every year after the swallows departed, I took it down and cleaned it thoroughly. But last year, there were no tenants. I don't believe the accommodations were to be blamed, but rather a shortage of swallows, reminding me that they had been on their southward migration during the peak of the California wildfires. In any event, I mentioned the lack of renters on line, and apparently, the Christmas Faerie was tuned in that day. She sent a gift of a brand-new house which I just installed this morning. I love the adjustable entryway! It can be fine-tuned to let a pudgy swallow in, but still keep nasty starlings out. I haven't seen a swallow yet, but hopefully, someone will sign the lease soon.
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