Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Tree Swallows


A pair of tree swallows is nesting in our bluebird box. Ross put it on a pole of the grape arbor last year but this is the first time it's been occupied.



This little lady lets me get really close with my camera. I chat with her and she seems to listen intently (unlike my husband :)



She diligently lined the box with wisps of hay and other bits and pieces.





The man of the house has a beautiful iridescent blue back and head. I don't know if he helped with the nest making or not. I've only ever seen her go into the box. He sits on the grape arbor and watches over the proceedings.
He lets me get close too. They seem remarkably unafraid of me.



Last week I was lucky to have my camera ready at just the right moment to catch the female buzzing Cleo. She came a little too close for everyone's comfort that time.
Both birds are very protective of the nest.
I don't know if the eggs have hatched yet or not. The top is not hinged so we can't see into the box. I guess we'll know when we see babies poking their heads out the hole.Posted by Picasa

15 comments:

HORIZON said...[Reply]

Fantastic close ups Kerri. Birds, kittens and flowers- could it get any better?
No.
:)

TJ said...[Reply]

The little birds seem to really trust you...that is a great blessing and you get great shots of it all!
:-D

sonia a. mascaro said...[Reply]

Amazing photos, Kerri. Love the beautiful birds and the bluebird box. Great the photo of the female buzzing Cleo! Just funny!

Dianne said...[Reply]

Wow, you are lucky to get so close to such pretty birds. Cleo better watch out there too! ; )

roybe said...[Reply]

there is nothing quite so cheery as seeing birds nesting, lovely shots kerry.

squire said...[Reply]

Bird houses are just too much fun, thanks for sharing.

Susie said...[Reply]

Blue jays here dive and peck at Vincent. Ilove how you were able to capture Cleo getting buzzed.
How great that you can get so close and they aren't afraid. They must know you have a sweet gentle spirit :-)

Sandy Hatcher-Wallace said...[Reply]

I just love it when animals grow to trust you enough not to flee when they see you near and go about their usual business.

Our neighbor has put up a bird house right next to our fence and I love watching the birds gathering twigs & twine for their nest building.

I'm a lover of nature and could stay outdoors 24 hours of the day if it wasn't for the mosquitos. I love to watch and study the habits of animals.

Your bird pictures are spectacular just as your flower pictures. I can clearly see that you love taking pictures and sharing them with us...Thank you.

clairesgarden said...[Reply]

be careful momma bird! cats have sharp claws and forever empty tummies!

Carole Burant said...[Reply]

We have swallows here too but I don't think I've ever seen the male...what a beautiful blue colour he is! We have a couple of bird houses set up but they've never been used yet...birds here prefer to nest in our trees and hedges! lol Beautiful pictures, Kerri!!

Sigruns German Garden said...[Reply]

Oh oh, cats and birds! Thats not good!

Sigrun

David (Snappy) said...[Reply]

great pics of the nesting birds.I love watching our garden visitors when they think they are alone.hopping along the floor or hanging off my feeders!

Ladyseashells said...[Reply]

You're so lucky to get that close to that bird and what a great snap. And I chuckled on the part who listens well. I like ur humor.

Philosophical Karen said...[Reply]

Those photos are amazing! We are not so far apart, so those birds are native here too, but I have never seen one before (only read about them). I guess I still haven't really seen one, but your photos make me feel like I have. ;-)

Boxwood Cottage said...[Reply]

Fantastic shots Kerry!