SWALLOWS FIND NEW HOME.

We think that ten pairs of swallows have nested for over a hundred years at Halegate Farm. With the conversion of the old barns several pairs of swallows have lost their traditional nesting sites.

Young swallows in a nest     CAC

It was decided that the windows of the bird hides on the Decoy should be left open to encourage the swallows to nest. The swallows were seen attempting to build a nest but were having difficulty getting the mud to adhere to the wooden walls. It was decided, as an experiment, to try an artificial nest box which was erected on June 21st. Within two days the swallows had started to line the nest with hair and feathers.

They laid four eggs and all the young eventually fledged on August 9th. 

Hopefully they will return in future years and use the bird hides to raise their young.

Meanwhile about four pairs of swallows have managed to rear young at the farm, despite the on-going work. The builders have agreed with the Council to leave space in the garage lofts to enable the swallows to continue nesting at Decoy Barns in future years.

Attempt by swallows                Artificial nest   CAC