Barn Swallows

I think barn swallows are beautiful birds.  Bright blue feathers with a yellow/golden chest and an adorable "V" tail when they fly.  We have had them nesting out in our lean-to behind the barn for several years.  They catch tons of bugs and are a valuable bird to have around.

Now a pair of them has decided to move in closer.  Much closer.  They have been busily building a nest at the corner of my kitchen window.  I am ambivalent about this.  I suspect they will make quite a mess there by the time the little ones fledge.  But I love watching them and keeping track of their progress...building a nest is hard, tedious work for a bird. Both partners share in the work.  Originally they thought the light just outside the back door was a good location for the nest but fortunately changed their mind on that one.  I cannot actually see the nest from inside but do see all the activity as they diligently work at "home improvements".

The potential error in their choice of residence:  traffic.  Both people and cats frequently travel beside their chosen spot for the nursery.  This makes the momma bird nervous.  It makes the cats intrigued.  The patio table is too far away to be of assistance to them in their quest to satisfy their curiosity about the commotion...and too far away to be of any use when at meal time but that fact does not stop them from perching on the table and watching intently.

I cannot tell if there are any eggs in the nest yet, or if it is simply nearing completion of construction.  I do know that their day starts a lot earlier than I intend for mine to start and they are happy in their work, singing away ever so joyously early in the morning.