For about the last 2 weeks I have had a pair of barn swallows tring to build a nest in the doorway of my garden shed. Every night after work I go out and knock it down with the broom. This morning before I got out of bed the cat and I were watching them. They are very pretty birds and very determined. I bet that poor little bird has hauled enough mud to fill a 5 gallon bucket! The only problem is I am in and out of that shed a zillion times a day! I don't mind the birds, I just don't want them dive bombing me everytime I make a trip in for my gloves or shovel. The door way is not very high, maybe 7 1/2 feet so they are close to my head! Do i give up and let them finish their little nest or do I keep trying to discourage them? Normally this wouldn't be such a decision but Glenda sent me a really sad email about swallows!
You don't want to ask me. I'm such a big softie. I would have put all my stuff somewhere else and left the swallows to build their nest.
I love the Swallow's as they eat a lot of bugs, but I don't think I'd allow them to build their nest in MY garden doorway ~ they tend to return to the same site year after year too. I'd probably try to entice them to build their nest somewhere else in the yard. In fact, I just had Swallow's build a nest in a brand new birdhouse DH built
Well, if it were me, I'd let them build and just wrar a big wide-brimmed straw hat when going into and out of the shed. You know, S'mom--it may take a few days to lay the eggs, 2 weeks to incubate them and perhaps 20 days before they fledge. All in all they will be with you probably no longer than a month. One month out of a whole year--that isn'r too bad is it? Plus--just think of the great pics that you will be able to make at the different stages of the process. I know that you are perhaps not so keen on the idea, but boy do I wish I had this opportunity. I really enjoy observing nature. Good luck with your decision.
I am the one that put the bird house right and I mean right by my front door and in my flower beds...only time will tell. They let me get pretty close and I am always walking past them but I was told that the tree swallows will dive at me once the eggs hatch...I wanted Blue birds to nest there but I haven't seen a one this season... Do what you want...it is your area but don't knock it down once the eggs are in please.... Trying to hide the bird house... ( photo / image / picture from Sherry8's Garden )
Don't try to hide the bird house. I love it and know the birds do as well. The wreath just makes it fancier. Like that idea!
I decided to let them stay :-D But I think they moved to Sherry's house Haven't seen any activity since Saturday morning.
