LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

The second brood of baby Barn Swallows has hatched. There appear to be five of them and they are so newly hatched that only two of them are ready to be fed by the parents. The others wag their unstable little heads and pay no real attention to the parents when they bring food.





The baby on the right appears to be the largest of the group. his mouth opens immediately when food arrives.

The parent seems to be checking which babies are ready to be fed.


A second baby on the far left opens his mouth for food.
I could sit for ours watching Barn Swallows. They flit and turn, catching the insects in midair. They fly to the nest at amazing speeds and both parents help with the feeding. Much like bluebirds, the first brood often helps feed the second one.

18 comments:

George said...

These are great pictures of the Barn Swallow family. Thanks for sharing them with us.

abb said...

What neat photos! I also love to watch swallows sweeping across the lawn - and sometimes quite close to my head - in pursuit of insects.
I'd be there watching them for hours as well!

robin andrea said...

Great photos. I especially like the last one where you can see the swallow's beautiful colors.

The Bug said...

How cute! We have a TON of birds in our new neighborhood - I should spend more time seeing what they're up to!

Busy Bee Suz said...

This is so sweet. So glad you captured it on your camera. Birds are just amazing little creatures!

Barb said...

Oh - fabulous - thanks for showing the tiny birds.

Cheryl said...

Beautiful....what a priviledge to watch these lovely birds bring up a brood.
I could sit with you and watch them for hours......

KB said...

I didn't know that the first brood would help with feeding the second one. That's very cool.

I love your photos. Watching a family of birds grow up is magical.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

The Barn Swallows are gorgeous birds, Carolyn. I'm so glad you are enjoying them --and their new babies. That's the way I feel about my Bluebirds. I could watch them all night. I feel a little empty this week!!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

Anonymous said...

The thunderbirds have some competition.

troutbirder said...

Fascinating! And then they grow so fast.

jan m said...

That's neat that you have such a good view of the swallows. I love to watch my tree swallows each spring, although they use a nest box. They are so beautiful in flight and come and go so quickly. I miss them when they move on after the kids leave the nest.

Leedra said...

Barn Swallows are such a pretty bird, with that orange. (Don't tell my Tree Swallows I said that!)

Leedra’s Photos For Fun

Valerie Cummings said...

Those are beautiful pictures!!! I love watching the birds!! Hugs Joey and Kealani

Jayne said...

How wonderful Carolyn! I am so jealous that you get to watch these little ones grow. :c)

Kathryn Magendie said...

Oh, look at them! *smiling*

(THank you for your comment about "mothers giving up their children" etc .... what an issue! So many stories out there....people have read my book and emailed me with a sad running through their emails - so many adults who as children have so many stories.)

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments. I do so love to sit and watch the swallows flitting through the air.

pat said...

I have a perversion of seeing pictures of inside peoples homes as well as of our nesting friends! I love nesting pictures, these are wonderful!