Swallow nest question

[phillyblues]

Will swallows build on top of a chickadee moss nest? Chickadees abandoned the box and swallow pair has been in and out for days but no nest yet. Should i remove the moss?

[dogsandbirds]

Anybody will build on anybody’s nest if they want the box. Birds will also throw out someone else’s nest. Remove it if you want but you don’t have to.

Gin
Atlanta, GA

[phillyblues]

Thanks…wasn’t sure because I know we’re supposed to clean out old nests every season. I wonder why they haven’t grassed and feathered the nest yet.

[dogsandbirds]

They may not be serious about the box. After all, why work hard when you don’t have to?

Technically it’s not an old nest since it wasn’t used. You could take the dee nest out and save it in case you ever need one. I have done that.

Gin
Atlanta, GA

[phillyblues]

Thwy sure seem to be acting like they’re serious. They’ve been in and out since Friday morning and the male was fighting off another male one day. Oh well. We’ll see what happens.

[tamsea]

I agree. But I would probably just move it. Sometimes birds are hesitant when they see another nest. I think your mind would be more at rest if you removed it…if you are anything like me.

Tammy

[phillyblues]

Oh well. I pulled the nest out and haven’t seen them in 2 days. I am hoping it’s because it has been pretty chilly? Hope they come back.

[phillyblues]

I gave up on the swallows after almost 2 weeks of not seeing them….and then suddenly today they are back at the box! Hope they stick around this time. Now that the weather is warm in PA, perhaps they’re finally ready. If I can’t get bluebirds this is second best for me.

[dogsandbirds]

Everybody, including TRES, slows down nesting activity when the food supply is scarce. Since TRES feed completely in the air, they have to wait until insects are flying. Your cool weather is probably what delayed them.

Gin
Atlanta, GA

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