Enthusiastic, Encouraging
Friendly, Encouraging
Imagine your backyard filled with the delightful chirping and graceful flight of barn swallows! The Cornell Lab of Ornithology promotes providing habitats for these amazing birds, and one fantastic way to do this is by setting up barn swallow houses. These structures, often made from simple wood and easily found at local hardware stores, give swallows the perfect nesting sites they need, especially where natural sites are scarce. With a little effort and the right placement, your garden can become a haven, contributing to barn swallow conservation in your local area.
Welcome Barn Swallows to Your Backyard Oasis!
Imagine your yard filled with the cheerful chirping of barn swallows! They are amazing to watch and help control insect populations naturally. Providing these graceful birds with a home is a rewarding experience. This guide will walk you through creating the perfect setup using, of course, barn swallow houses!
Why Barn Swallows Need Our Help (and Why You’ll Love Having Them Around!)
Barn swallows are natural cavity nesters, but their traditional nesting sites are dwindling. Modern architecture doesn’t always offer the cozy nooks and crannies they need. By putting up barn swallow houses, you are directly contributing to their well-being!
- Insect Control: Barn swallows are aerial insectivores, meaning they feast on flying insects like mosquitoes and flies. Think of them as your tiny, feathered pest control team!
- Natural Beauty: They are simply beautiful birds to watch, with their iridescent blue backs and long forked tails.
- Entertainment: Observing their aerial acrobatics and family life is a truly delightful experience.
Designing the Perfect Barn Swallow House
Think “rustic charm” when considering your barn swallow house! Simplicity is key, and mimicking their natural nesting habits is the goal. Remember, we are focusing on helping them!
- Location, Location, Location!
- Mount your barn swallow house under the eaves of a barn, shed, porch, or garage. Barn swallows prefer open areas for easy flight access.
- Choose a spot that’s protected from strong winds and direct sunlight.
- Ideally, place the house 8-14 feet above the ground.
- Construction Considerations:
- Materials: Use untreated wood (like pine or cedar) for the house. Avoid pressure-treated wood, as it can be harmful to birds.
- Shape: Barn swallows prefer open-cup nests. A simple shelf-like structure is ideal.
- Size: Aim for a platform that is approximately 6 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 6 inches high. You can build individual nests (like a small shelf) or a larger platform that can accommodate multiple nests.
- Adding a Bit of Comfort:
- Mud: Barn swallows use mud to build their nests. Providing a source of mud nearby can be helpful. A shallow pan of mud kept moist is a great idea!
- Soft Material: Place some soft materials nearby (straw or dried grasses) that they can use for nesting.
Putting it All Together: A Visual Guide
Let’s look at a simple table summarizing the key elements of an ideal barn swallow house:
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Location | Under eaves, 8-14 feet high, open area |
| Material | Untreated wood (pine or cedar) |
| Shape | Open-cup shelf or platform |
| Size | 6″ wide x 6″ deep x 6″ high (per nest) |
| Extra Touches | Mud source, nesting material |
Maintaining Your Barn Swallow Haven
Once you have your barn swallow house up, a little maintenance will keep it welcoming. Cleaning the houses after the nesting season (usually in late fall or early winter) is important.
- Remove old nests to prevent parasites and encourage future use.
- Check the structure for any damage and make repairs as needed.
- Continue to provide a source of mud if possible.
Troubleshooting: What if They Don’t Come?
Sometimes, even with the perfect setup, barn swallows might not move in immediately. Don’t be discouraged!
- Patience is Key: It can take time for barn swallows to discover your house.
- Location Adjustments: If after a season, they don’t appear, consider moving the house to a slightly different location.
- Deterring Sparrows: House sparrows can compete with barn swallows for nesting sites. Taking steps to deter house sparrows (without harming native birds) can help. You can research specific methods for your area.
Beyond the House: Creating a Swallow-Friendly Environment
Attracting barn swallows isn’t just about the barn swallow houses. Creating a welcoming environment can make your yard even more appealing!
- Avoid Pesticides: Pesticides can harm barn swallows by reducing their food supply.
- Water Source: A birdbath or shallow pond provides a place for them to drink and bathe.
- Open Space: Maintain some open areas in your yard for easy flight and foraging.
So, why not give it a try? Building or buying barn swallow houses can be a rewarding experience, offering you the chance to observe these fascinating birds up close and contribute to their conservation. You might just be surprised at how quickly they move in and make your yard their summer home!