Bluebirds! Season 7. Episode 6. Chicks.

Tree swallows, Charles River Peninsula, Needham, MA

 It's hatching time for some, fledging time for others. How I love the young birds, ready to learn how to be birds.

Tree Swallow nestling, Box 5

Or, in some cases, ready to make the transition from lizard to bird.

Tree Swallow parent, Box 3

Or, in some cases, never to hatch at all. The eggs in box 3 have been there for over three weeks. The parents keep peeking in to check. Maybe today will be the day....

Bluebirds! Season 7. Episode 5. Wins and Losses

Tree Swallows, Charles River Peninsula, Needham, MA

June, already. And a series of cold wet days that made me worried about nesting boxes. For good reason--the chicks in box 4 didn't make it. But everything else is fine.

Tree Swallow, Box 7

I was particularly happy to see tree swallows on box 7. That had been a house sparrow nest since the beginning of the season.

House Sparrow nest two weeks ago, Box 7

Every week I removed the eggs. It took a long time for the sparrows to give up.

Tree Swallow nest today, Box 7

It's a late start for tree swallows but there's still hope.

Box 8

I think I might have to bring the clippers with me next week.