Swallows Already?

Sean Ph'lib · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 10:17 pm Post subject:

I don't think they need it that wide; I made the first one in the hope that maybe two pairs would nest in it. Only one pair took it over, and I just made the second one to match. There is room in each for a couple of nests, but I should think a nine-inch box should work all right.

Sive · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 10:26 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that Sean, I'd be delighted to see any birds in our box, but no takers so far ! Our acre is still very bare, so maybe when our trees and hedges grow, birds will feel more welcome!

Sundew · Hazel Tree Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 43 Location: Dublin

Only saw my first swallows last Sunday the 19th of april

Sean Ph'lib · Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 9:05 pm Post subject:

My swallows have taken up occupancy of one of my nestboxes again. Of course I can't be sure they're the ones that nested last year, but I think one of them is, because he (or she) is tame and sits on the edge of the box, unconcerned ,while the other flies away at my approach.

Liparis · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 10:39 am Post subject:

They have an uncanny knack of returning to the exact same nest spot each year, the same pair, unless one of them dies and a new mate is taken on.
Unfortunately most of my birds have not returned this year, still only one pair of swallows, two pairs of house martins have returned very late and still no sign of sand martins. The swifts, I noticed have started returning to the town when I was in the other day, they are usually the last to return. Hopefully the spotted fly-catchers will return soon. The Bullfinches have stripped the blossom off my Granny Smith apple, not a bud left to open. Apart from appearing like a madman with my head-torch on at night picking slugs, I've become a rural nut case running through the apple trees flapping my ams chasing bullfinches! well, at least I keep my clothes on when I do it, don't want to scare them to death Laughing

Bill.

Sean Ph'lib · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 2:19 pm Post subject:

I'm a martyr to bullfinches too. In my case, they don't bother too much with the apple buds - because the blighters are too busy stripping the buds off the plums and greengages! This year I bought buzzing lines and put them up: the bullfinches carried on bud-stripping regardless. I have to bite my tongue and say "Which do you want - plums or bullfinches?" At the moment, the answer is: "Bullfinches", but my patience is beginning to wear thin.... next year I'll have to do something!

Liparis · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 2:32 pm Post subject:

At the end of the day, i'm a sucker for the bullies as well.
Bill.

James Kilkelly, was GPI. · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 2:45 pm Post subject:

Sean Ph'lib · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 3:32 pm Post subject:

They're long plastic tapes - you tie them up and they buzz in the breeze. The noise is supposed to scare away the birds. Laughing

(Not my bullfinches!)

Liparis · Posted: Mon May 25, 2009 10:45 am Post subject:

Well, my granny Smith apple, James Grieve's, Victoria and Czar plums along with my cherry have all been stripped bare of buds, not one reached opening Evil or Very Mad

I have a solution though, they don't seem to like Cox's Orange Pippin! Tree is in full bloom but not another apple anywhere to ensure a decent crop. Maybe they will move ot of the area next year Rolling Eyes

I wish!
Bill.