Swallow and Black Redstarts in the Barn

Black Redstart Chick Fledgling in Swallow Nest

The Swallow and Black Redstart parents are not at all happy that we are in and out of the barn all the time just now getting our renovation material.  The Swallows are at one end and the Black Redstarts are at the other so whichever door we go in we get scolded by one or the other.

The Black Redstarts tell us off by sitting on the swingball pole and making their tch tch tch sound.  The Swallows fly around and around near their nest without going to it and make a rapid chatter.  Amazingly, as soon as the parents start their warning noise the chicks stop making any noise at all.  It is incredible that the chicks have not even left the nest yet but they understand what a warning noise is.

If the Swallows or Black Redstarts are outside when we go into the barn then they won't come into the barn until we leave.  The Swallows are amazing the way that they fly into the barn so fast, see us and turn immediately and leave.  They really are the fighter jets of the birds, quite amazing.  It is very sad that after this brood is a bit older they'll all be looking to migrate south until next spring.

What is particularly interesting is the Black Redstarts have taken up residence in a newly renovated Swallow's nest. Normally they make quite a scruffy, traditional bird nest in the nook of a cross beam in the barn, however this pair have taken over a very smart Swallow's nest. We don't know if the Black Redstarts commandeered it or the Swallows changed their minds and decided to renovate a nest at the other end of the barn. Either way it sounds like the Black Redstarts have quite a brood in and we are looking forward to seeing the fledglings within the next few days.

Swallow Chick Fledgling in Nest