Singing for Supper

These young tree swallows are hungry and waiting for mom to serve up lunch.  They are only about a week old, but growing fast. There are six in this nest box; one of several around our property.

Normally, when you open the nest box to look in our their progress, these young birds are very calm and sleep-like.  I trick them to stretch and open their mouths my faking them out with a little whistle.  When the mom returns with food, her motherly chirp will perk them up and they open up for the meal she’s brought.  So, all it takes it is a little chirp of a whistle and they all bob up, mouths open, waiting.  Don’t worry, they don’t stay hungry and wanting for long.  Within in moments after close up the house, the parents are flying back in and out with food for them.

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