Swallows keep insect pests at bay

We enjoy the acrobatics of barn swallows as we walk along the lakeshore in Michigan.  These birds and the dragonfly are are friendly insect catchers.  We sit on a breakwater or at a bench and watch them dive and swoon capturing insects.

 I do know the barn swallows can make a mess beneath their nests.  It is possible to provide them with a conducive environment where they build in places where their droppings are a part of nature.

They are so small and so fast! They can change direction unexpectedly. But they aren't afraid of us sitting and chatting, so they come very close, possibly because of the insects attracted to us.  Photographing them in flight can be a challenge!

 

Original material:  https://roadtrek210.blogspot.com/

The Return of the Swallows

With mild weather the swallows have returned to the shores of Lake Michigan. They are working hard to pair up and to build those nests. Some find these birds to be pests; I prefer to share and discourage building over my RT. They do eat a lot of bugs and that is beneficial to me.

We went to the lake for a sunset and an opportunity to see the planet Mars. We were very entertained by the swallows. Some swooped very close as they grabbed the insects flying directly above.

Meanwhile, others were at the water's edge getting the final rays of the sun.

And out on the water, birds were settling down for the night.

Here's what the swallows are building and feeding:

Warren Dunes May 2015

This year, we plan on spending some time along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. To that end, we visited the Warren Dunes last week. Of course, where we go this summer will be determined in part by the time available. Currently the schedule is busy.

The dunes is a fun spot. It's popular with hikers, bathers and youth groups. According to the Michigan DNR "The rugged dune formation rises 260 feet above the lake and offers spectacular views and excellent for hang gliding. The park has three miles of shoreline, six miles of hiking trails and is open year-round."  Entry via motor vehicle requires a "Recreation Passport" which is $9 daily and $31 annually for non-Michigan vehicles. 

In the Spring there are the swallows. During the fall, there is the migration of Monarch butterflies. Here are two videos. One was made a week ago, the other last fall. 

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