How to find Barn swallow nests
The barn swallows usually nest in and around barns, sheds and under bridges. Nests often cling to vertical surfaces near the roof or under marquees on the outside of buildings. Barn swallows also build nests on horizontal beams or over windowsills, lamps, cables, etc., which provide additional support for the nest.
To find nests in a barn or shed, use a flashlight to scan beams and other areas near the roof that could be used to support a nest. In two-store barns, the majority of nests are usually located at the lowest level.
Gather information about the nesting stage by tracking adult individuals and looking for other items around the nest. Please note that if adults are disturbed by your presence, they may leave the nest during any stage. Here are some things to look for:
- An adult sitting in the nest usually indicates incubation or newly hatched chicks.
- After hatching, you may see egg shells on the ground.
- As the chicks grow older, both adults will be busy feeding them and you may notice a bunch of feces under the nest.
- If you are watching more than one nest, it is very important to mark the nests. In a barn, consider sticking a small piece of flag tape under each nest using pins. Write a nest number or code in the highlighting tape on a permanent marker to track your nests even if there are changes in the colony throughout the season (for example if new nests are being built).
- If a nest you are watching fails, note the state of the nest and the surrounding area (for example broken egg shells), as this may provide clues as to why the nest failed.
Nest failure refers to the occurrence of any unusual event or failure of the nesting attempt. It is usually associated with the collapse of the nest or damage to one or more of the eggs or young people This can be observed directly or determined by the evidence in the surrounding area., for example the nest may be destroyed or missing and you may find one or more dead chicks or broken eggs under the nest.
If you notice prey or if other birds settled in the nest record which species were in the observations.
- In order to avoid involuntary disturbances to nesting birds. The nesting approach should always be done with caution! Always move slowly and carefully around nests!
- Nests or colonies should not be disturbed very early during the nesting season. The risk of abandonment of the nest is higher during the early stages of the construction and placement of nests. Start checking the nests when egg incubation begins.
- Nest control should not be carried out very early in the morning or in adverse weather conditions when eggs and young people are more vulnerable.
- There should be no nuisance in nests when it is cold or during heavy rainfall, as birds may already be stressed due to reduced foraging capacity and/or insect availability.
- We do not touch the nests.
- We do not approach those nests in which they exist with small ones. They may be scared and attempt to fly prematurely. Keep a distance of 5 meters.
- Do not touch or transfer eggs or chicks
- The duration of monitoring the nest should be as short as possible.
- Take as few photos as possible.
IMPORTANT: Before searching nests on private property, you must obtain permission from its owners.
If the nests are located in abandoned buildings or structures and are visible from the street, you do not need to obtain a permit. In case of search of barn swallows in barns or stables there should be contact with the landowner concerned.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
https://bcswallowconservationproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/baswnestmonitoringmethods.pdf