Tree Swallow Nest Cam - Summer 2022

Follow two Tree Swallows in Bloomington, Indiana as they go through all the stages of building a nest and raising young together.

[@jasonboling5964]

Love it!!! What a beautiful thing to do for your kids, showing them one of the many wonderful things happening in nature all around us, all the time. Thanks so much for sharing it here!

[@itsallanillusion4827]

Loved this!

[@Rockymtnchick]

That was really cool to watch, thanks for sharing. 😃

[@MrLarrysDog]

I had a pair of tree swallows take over one of my bluebird boxes. At first, I was annoyed; until I got to know them. They are more colorful than the bluebird, and much more interesting to watch; flying around, catching insects right out of the air. Unfortunately, the nest was attacked by a racoon. I would like to think that the young 'uns had fledged, but was unable to determine that. Thanks for the peek inside the nest.

[@knewnum1]

They are way more fun to watch I have found. But they are way more aggressive. All the better for protecting their nest. Enjoy them!

[@williamjaeger5940]

Very nice! Wonderful video!I have had Bluebirds for years but never tree Swallows until this year! Curious how they will get along 50 yds apart! Thanks for the Video!

[@momshops]

So many questions. Excellent educational video! I have my first nesting box and tree swallows moved in. I can hear the babies chirping away. What kind of bird intruded on the nest? Why are there staples on the inside of the nesting box? Why is there a dowel /perch on the outside top of the nesting box?

[@knewnum1]

Glad it was helpful! The intruder was another Tree Swallow. Not uncommon for younger, juvenile birds to try to force a female to breed again. Some species go as far as throwing other mates babies out. These things happen but in this case, the mom showed them what was up. The staples are to help give the birds, especially the young ones, traction to get up to the hole. Some folks use screen wire but I used what I had laying around. As far as the perch, it is not a perch but rather a Wren Guard. It helps deter some but not all. I had some Wrens go in a Bluebird house the same year this video was shot and they poked holes in all the eggs and threw them out. I will say that while some people encourage these they are not always necessary. In the end, Nature is going to Nature. Any other questions, feel free to reach out. The same box this year just had 4 more babies.

[@knewnum1]

Ahhh the dowel at the top! They just love to sit there between feedings to stay away from the kids. If you don’t have one, you totally should. GREAT for photos and videos.

[@momshops]

@@knewnum1 Thank you! The five in my nesting box just fledged 3 days ago. I think I see them flying nearly during the day. 🙂