Seward, Alaska
On Saturday, August 2, the parent VIOLET-GREEN SWALLOWS seemed to be urging their reluctant babies to join them. They circled the airspace in front of the east-facing nest box, calling repeatedly, “Jump! Jump! It will be fun!”
One bright-eyed youngster peered out of the nest box opening, leaning far out as if about to take the big leap, then popped back into safety. No dice. What will finally trigger these reluctant babies to launch and discover their incredible and joyous gift of flight?
I could almost hear the conscientious parents sigh as they resumed swooping around catching insects to deliver to the eager, wide-open bills (at least two.)
Again on Sunday, the bright-eyed eager babies peeped enthusiastically, still stuck in the box, and still receiving deliveries by both parents. I noticed, in the brief exchange, that sometimes the parent fed the baby hogging the opening, then quickly reached past to deliver to one behind.
On Monday, August 4, I didn’t observe much activity. Finally, one anxious little head appeared in the next hole, but I didn’t see any food deliveries. Had the frustrated parents abandoned their babies and fled?
On Tuesday, August 5, there was no activity. It was an abrupt change. While I felt glad they had finally left, I felt sad to not watch the newly fledged youngsters perch precariously on the nearby cables and practice take-offs and landings. Or see the amazing mid-air food transfers from the competent adult to the fluttering fledgling. Maybe in their haste to get gone, they just practiced en route.
Bon voyage, beautiful Swallows! Hope you have a good winter and a safe journey back!
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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