— from Howie Rosenfeld —

Over the last few years, I’ve noticed a steady decline in our swallow population. Then I heard a Radio CBC program that verified my observation. It said Tree Swallows have declined dramatically and many have lost 10% of body mass. An article online said Barn Swallows have declined 75% in British Columbia! These birds are not only delightful to observe but are amongst the most efficient flying insect eaters.

These are spring and summer residents. Tree Swallows nest in natural cavities and bird houses (no perch please). Barn Swallows make mud nests typically under eaves and ledges of porches and other parts of houses.

Home owners often don’t like the mess Barn Swallows can make and may therefore destroy their nests. This is unfortunate. Now more than ever we need to tolerate that mess, let them be and protect them.

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