Rescued Barn Swallows ***UPDATE & PICS***

[momerath42]

Hello all.. I usually post in the rats rule forum, but due to an interesting turn of events I have a story to share here!!

A pair of Barn Swallows made their nest outside my apartment door just under an overhang.  All was well and good, babies hatched (6 of them) they were all doing hunky dory until yesterday afternoon.  The front portion of the the nest caved in and all the babies fell out!  They are at least a week from fledging, and I wasn't sure what to do.  The poor babies were huddled together on the concrete next to a brick column. 

After a quick phone call to my mom, I found a small glass bowl and lined it with paper towels.  I quickly gathered up all the babies and put them in the bowl, and then I set it outside my living room window on my bistro table.  I was hesitant to handle the babies for fear the parents wouldn't return to care for them, but if they stayed on the ground they would have probably died overnight anyway if they weren't eaten by a cat or something.

I am happy to report that both parents were feeding the babies today and they all seem to be fine, but the bowl is a bit dirty from their feces.  I read that in the nest the parents will remove that but the bowl opening is smaller than the nest opening so I'm not sure they have room to do so.  My question is: will this be a problem? 

I have a few pictures that I will try to post tomorrow.

[nancycccslp]

 They are being cared for by the parents; I would be hesitant to disturb it again for poop reasons.  But in general, a basket is a better choice because then rain etc. drains out.  If you have a basket you can make ONE quick presto-changeo but then let it be like you've been doing.  My only fear with a glass bowl is that a rainstorm will flood it.

[momerath42]

Thanks for the information! 

Unfortunately I don't have a basket    but the bowl is far enough under the patio overhang that I think they will be safe from rain.  I wasn't planning to try to remove the poop, but just wondered if it might make the babies sick or something.  Hopefully they will be venturing out soon and starting to fly!  I was so very excited to see the parents still taking care of them, as I honestly thought I would end up with a bowl of dead baby barn swallows 

[momerath42]

I am happy to report that all six barn swallow babies survived and have left the nest, so to speak!  They are still nearby, hanging out in the flower bushes in front of my patio.  I have taken several pictures of them to share with you!!

Here is a photo of the birds in the glass bowl on my patio.


And here are 2 of the fledglings sitting on a branch together


And my favorite so far...
"I see you!"

[nancycccslp]

They look terrific and perfectly able to take care of themselves!  Off they go!  Great pictures; don't you just love their attitudes?

[momerath42]

Yes.. hehe they are so funny.  And the parents have been so protective... nearly dive bombing my head when I was taking pictures!  I am thinking of submitting the last to to the magazine Birds and Blooms!   

I am just SO happy they all did so well!  I would have felt just awful if they hadn't made it.