Welcome Aboard Barn Swallows

by Sandy Dee
(BC Canada )

Welcome Barn Swallows

Welcome Barn Swallows


We live in Vancouver BC Canada.

Last year we welcomed aboard some birds that no one wants.

We had barn swallows for the first time. They had 5 baby's and we hope they come back this year even though the nest took a beating this winter.

We found it was unusual for them to build on a peaked roof but they felt safe on our back porch.

We did have to put a box under the nest & move our outdoor chairs because of the mess.

Not many people let them nest anywhere on their homes let alone on a porch but we did.

They where not even afraid of our dogs when we let them out.One baby stayed for almost 3 weeks after the parents & other chicks left.

We think it was one of the later ones to be born as we found they lay eggs at different times.

We are animal lovers with lots of bird houses & feeders. We live in eagle country so get to see many of these beautiful birds also.

Glad to share. I DO HAVE ONE question, It's May & we are wondering when they will come back to nest.

They are flying around now & are wondering if they will nest soon. We left the old nest up. Thanks to Gene for this info.


swallow nest

Close Up Of Swallow Nest


I thought I would add a close up picture of the strange place these birds found to nest- They built a nest right on top of an old bird house with peaked roof.

They use dry grass etc & mix with water to make a mud nest.

They are sometimes called mud swallows because of this. Its very messy when they are building, Mud every where.


These are pictures of the babies.

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Backyard Birds.

Robin and Dove Nesting Together

by Mike Connell
(Arkona, Ontario, Canada)

robin and dove nesting side by side

robin and dove nesting side by side

I located this web-site as I was concerned regarding a Dove that was nesting on our covered back deck.

My concern was that this dove was not leaving it's nest to feed, but on reading about their nesting habits I am now somewhat relieved.

What is quite interesting about this pair is that not long after they set up home on one corner of a 24 inch square shelf top a Robin decided to move in on the opposite corner of the same shelf.

For the past few weeks I don't think that the Robin was even aware of the presence of the Dove as they are separated by various objects.


Now that the Dove's chicks have hatched it is obvious that the Robin is aware of their activity.

We have a motel in Arkona, SW Ontario, Canada, and not only do these Doves and that Robin think that this is a great place to stay.

We also have a Robin nesting above the public phone box at the front of the motel, minimal human activity - thank goodness for cell-phones!

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Backyard Birds.

Finches Like Flowers Best

by Karen Barchent
(Findlay, OH)

ZINNIAS

ZINNIAS

I have noticed lately that not as many goldfinches have been visiting my feeders and yesterday I discovered why.

I watched a little guy fly up to the feeder, get a snack, then exit below to the zinnias, where he spent at least 5 solid minutes just nibbling away.


Last week there were at least 5 finches in my wildflowers. The hummingbirds have been enjoying the zinnias and wildflowers as well.

Next year I am planting several more flowerbeds of these easy to grow flowers!

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Backyard Birds.

Baby Finches

by Karen Barchent
(Findlay, Ohio)

Perching on a little branch

Perching on a little branch

Yesterday morning a little Goldfinch visited our birdbath. I thought he was adorable, so I took his picture.

This afternoon, his brothers and sisters invaded our feeders! We have two feeders, and there were up to 6 on each feeder at a time!

They are a little skiddish, so every time we go outside they scatter for awhile before getting brave and returning.


I didn't get much done this afternoon because I was watching my little feathered friends.

I live in Ohio ~ will they stay all winter? I don't recall seeing any during the cold winter months.

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Backyard Birds.

Very Popular Handmade feeder

by 4Deboids
(Joshua Tree, California)

I live in Joshua Tree California. That is in the high desert above Palm Springs.

Last spring I posted a few photos of the Morning Dove who nested on my patio.

So for the past summer and winter I have been feeding the Doves, Quail, Sparrows and Finches, and bunnies too.

I get a lot of enjoyment just watching them. I buy chicken scratch from Walmart so it is not too expensive. I go thru 2 40 pound bags a week, but it is well worth it.

For the past 16 years I have made birdhouses and bird feeders from recycled wood, hence the name 4Deboids.

I had a bird feeder that was not up to my standards so I placed it in the yard where I normally throw out the chicken scratch. The area is on a high bank under some Palo Verde trees.

I filled the feeder with scratch mostly for the little birds. The feeder is designed so that loose seeds and shaft will fall thru the little fence around the porch.


I guess I should not have been surprised at the popularity the feeder received, but I did not think that the doves and Quail would try to squeeze their bodies into the feeder’s opening.

I keep plenty of scratch on the ground, but I guess they just like the challenge.

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Backyard Birds.

Yellow-rumped Warbler in my hand!

by Kim Harcey
(Cambridge, MN)

Friendly lil Butter-butt

Friendly lil Butter-butt

The first time to see a Yellow-rumped Warbler(Butter-butt) at our window feeder. Very friendly lil bird so I stuck my hand out the window with seeds & he ate out of my hand!

Comments for Yellow-rumped Warbler in my hand!

Click here to add your own comments

May 11, 2017
Thank you all!
by: Kim Harcey

Having this wonderful interaction was a blessing!
I was also able to get a video clip of it too!

May 10, 2017
Thank you all!
by: Kim Harcey

It really was a blessing to have this lil guy at my window briefly as he passed thru MN. I was even able to get short video of him in my hand.

May 10, 2017
Yellow-rumped Warbler
by: Susie, San Jose, Calif

Amazing you even had a photo op ! That little fella felt such positive energy!

May 10, 2017
Beautiful Bird
by: Don


It amazes me the intelligence of birds and to know a loving hand and trust it, I'm certain the bird knows it doesn't need to be afraid. Wonderful picture and I am very envious.

May 09, 2017
Wow! Warbler
by: Gene

That has to be a great feeling! They only pass through during migration here in N.E. Kansas.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Backyard Birds.

Gatorland Bird Sanctuary, Orlando, FL

by Donna Roberts
(Cape Canaveral, FL, USA)

Great Egret Nest

Great Egret Nest

This was one of the best experiences ever. We just had a point-and-shoot camera, but the photos we got were amazing.

If you want to see an awesome variety of Florida's birds close-up in their natural habitat, visit this park in the Spring when they are nesting. The gators are an additional bonus!

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Backyard Birds.

Carolina Wrens residing in my backyard

by Janice Jessup
(Virginia Beach, Va)

It is unbelievable that after 5 years, hanging in the same place, this year a wren couple has taken to raise their chicks here in my birdhouse!!

I live in Virginia Beach, my place backs to a salt marsh so I do get a lot of wildlife visiting me. I do not want to get into the raccoons as well!

Photography is my passion so enjoy the pictures.. Do notice the chick's open mouth in the one photo.

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Backyard Birds.

SWANS and a RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD.

by Bjorn Krammer
(Concord Ma. USA)

SWANS AND A RWBbird.

SWANS AND A RWBbird.

It is unusual to get a Red Winged Blackbird, and 'The Swan Family,' in the same picture. I got them all in the same frame, with the Blackbird showing its colors. And the Swans on the right, in the water.

Even though they are both known to be in pond/marshy areas, I was happy to get them in the same frame. While I am sure it has been done by others, to me, it is one of my best photos.

Great that the Blackbird had near full wing display, and the Swans fit in the same frame.

Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Backyard Birds.

Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel!
youtube subscribe button