The Swallows Have Returned
Violet green and tree swallows have returned for their nesting season. After spending the Winter in Central America and Mexico they migrate North for the Spring and Summer months. A pair of nesting swallows will eat at least 4000 insects per day. Why not build a bird box and have natural pest control around your property. Swallows spend most of their time on the wing, hunting for insects such as flies, beetles, and moths. They are so specialized that they can eat, drink, and even mate in the air.
A Violet Green Swallow collecting dry grass for nesting material.
Melda’s original plans from 1971
The plan posted here is simple design from Melda Buchanan, a life long conservationist who lived in Comox. Never install a perch to avoid predatory birds and be sure to clean out the box in the Fall once the swallows have vacated.
Photo of Melda courtesy of Comox Archives
Swallow photos by Julian Laffin
