Young Tree Swallows are nearly ready to fledge. The young birds crowd the entrance to the nest box, waiting for the parents to arrive with food.
The parents have temporarily halted feeding activities in order to chase off the interloper with the camera. They come in silently and then give a loud clacking chitter right above my head. I suppose this would unnerve a predator approaching the nest.
The nestlings watch as the parents come swooping in.
But, they go right on by.
This little guy looks like he’s had about enough of my presence interrupting his feeding.
The adult birds stay near as long as I appear to be a threat to the nest.
I back off a bit and the youngster seems to be signaling all clear.
Now the parents can unload their mouths full of insects.A Camera Critters submission. I apologize to those who may have seen this before. It's an old favorite of mine that was never posted to Camera Critters. It represents what is currently going on in the Blue Jay Barrens nest boxes.
Wonderful, wonderful commentary with accompanying pictures, or should I say it the other way around?? It brought a smile to my face on yet another rainy early morning. ~karen
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous images. I found your blog via Frank's Lowland Heath and am glad I did. BTW, I, too, live in Southern Ohio, although am at sea at the moment.
ReplyDeleteVery best,
Lois
Those are the cutest little faces...there expression are so funny!!! The parent Swallows are pretty protective..I watched one chase a hawk of ..she kept nipping at it's tail feathers as it flew away!! Did You notice my header??? That Autumn Olive is so darn invasive it ended up on my blog header!!!! ;) :) HA! HA!
ReplyDeleteAwesome pictures!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen. I'm always happy to dole out the smiles.
ReplyDeleteLois - Thanks for visiting. I checked your blog to see if you had gone to sea voluntarily or if you had been washed away in the recent floods. I was happy to see it was by your choice.
grammie g - I definitely saw your new blog header. It was quite startling. That Autumn Olive is likely to show up anywhere.
Hi Green Gal. I'm glad you liked the photos. I suppose everything for you is a whirlwind of activity as you finish high school. Hope you have a good graduation and enjoy your summer. In a few months it’ll be the excitement of college life.
What a wonderful photographic narrative! I was arrested by that wonderful face at the beginning and then captivated by the unfolding story. Lovely work, Steve!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debbie. I certainly had fun watching them.
ReplyDeleteOh my, what sweet little faces! Our TRSW eggs should have hatched by now... I need to go check the box if the weather will allow it today. Our Phoebes are on nest attempt number 2... they built a new nest about a foot away from the first one! Unfortunately it's a foot farther away from the camera, so we haven't been able to videotape them this time.
ReplyDeleteHi, Heather. My Phoebes left their nest platform without finishing their clutch. I found a single broken egg in the nest. I still see them around, but don't know where they've put their new nest.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great series. Our tree swallows are just starting to build their nests. We won't see babies until July if they choose one of our boxes. Ours are in a location we can't get close enough to to take such wonderful pictures. When they are young, the babies look like they have lips. - Margy
ReplyDeleteThat is just the cutest little baby face.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your photos of the little ones and the parents intervention with the "intruder". Great shots.
Those are adorable faces!
ReplyDeleteOh my - such great shots. What a sweet face.
ReplyDeleteI love all the shots but my favorite is the first one where his mouth is wide open, so cute.
ReplyDeleteI have a black spider spider, please come and see. Have a great weekend.
I am now following your blog.
I love his post! So wonderful photos! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHow cute, adorable face. THe swallows are lovely birds. Great shots.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margy. I’ve always thought they looked kind of funny with those lips.
ReplyDeleteThanks Judy.
Thanks Pat.
Thanks LadyFi.
Hi Rose. Thanks for following. I saw a spider today that looked just like yours.
Thanks Pia.
Thanks Eileen.
Wow! Wonderful photos! I just love the chick's expression in the 5th photo :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Nikki-ann. I also enjoy that expression.
ReplyDeleteWonderful captures, Steve! I just wonder how you got them! That first one is just too cute!
ReplyDelete♥charlotte
Thanks Charlotte. I was standing about ten feet in front of the bird house.
ReplyDeleteawww! what a sweet and cute face :-) so love it :-) great captions and amazing shots :-) Dropping by from Camera Critters.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jessica.
ReplyDelete