Scene in Edmonds: Tree Swallows investigate nesting box

Bird Lore columnist Carol Riddell provides this update (and accompanying photos) on the nest boxes installed earlier in April to attract Tree Swallows at the Edmonds Marsh:

“We installed five nest boxes at the Edmonds marsh on April 3rd, targeting Tree Swallows but recognizing that several other native cavity nesters might use the boxes. A pair of Tree Swallows today (Friday) investigated a box that can be seen well from the entrance to the marsh and a little to the east along the black asphalt path.

“The male perched on the bamboo rod and silently looked in every direction while the female perched on the nearby post that had been installed for Purple Martin Gourds. The male would fly away and then return, sometimes looking inside the box. Then both birds perched on the roof and left whitewash. The male eventually entered the box, followed by the female.

“When I left, the male was perched again on the bamboo and singing to establish his territory. This pair may or may not decide to nest in this box. It is an exciting start 25 days after installation of the boxes.”

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