About tree swallows
Operating the pendulum correctly with tree swallows
1. WHEN SHOULD THE PENDULUM NEST BOX BE PUT UP?
At the end of April if the swallows occupied the nest box the previous season. Otherwise, during the first week of May.
2. WHERE SHOULD THE NEST BOX BE PLACED?
In general, it can be fixed just about anywhere, as long as it is safe from predators. Above all, the nest box must be placed at a height that will make it easy to work on. Whether you decide to put it on a pole or right on a window frame, make sure it is within reach. You will only be more successful.
3. THE PENDULUM IS A TOOL FOR THE ENTHUSIAST!
The pendulum is an effective tool, but you still have to learn how to use it. For the swallows, it is an obstacle they quickly learn to overcome. Once they have succeeded, they will be safe from sparrows for good, for the whole season.
4. ADJUSTING THE PENDULUM
Once adjusted on the needle, the pendulum will readily welcome the tree swallow. However, the swallow may still need a little help. For that purpose, the needle is only a guide.
5. A FEW MINUTES EVERY MORNING
5.1 Early in the season, as soon as the swallows have started visiting the nest box, it is recommended to stiffen the pendulum in order to encourage them to adopt the box. To do this, turn the weight under the pendulum to increase its resistance. In general, this adjustment is kept for as long as the tree swallows are circling around the nest box.
5.2 Once the swallows have left for the rest of the day, readjust the pendulum to make it as sensitive as possible to sparrows. If the sparrows seem determined to occupy the nest box, then flip the weight over to the opposite position. Set this way, it is true that the tree swallows can no longer enter the nest box, but they cannot get in anyway if the sparrow is bent on occupying it.
6. AFTER THE NEST BOX HAS BEEN ADOPTED
The battle is won as soon as the swallows start building their nest. When you see that they have mastered going through the pendulum, readjust it to be more sensitive, making sure the tree swallows can still get through. Be watchful, observe carefully! It is normal for the swallow to tip the pendulum now and then. It must be sensitive enough to keep the sparrow from getting in.
7. WHEN THE SWALLOWS HESITATE TO ENTER THE NEST BOX
The pendulum is an obstacle for tree swallows and they may hesitate to go through it. In such a case, simply remove the pendulum until the tree swallows adopt the nest box. Sometimes a few minutes are all it takes. Then put it back in place.
8. WHEN THE SWALLOWS ARE ALREADY NESTING
A pendulum can be fitted to a nest box even if the swallows are already occupying it. Simply follow these steps:
8.1 After fixing the pendulum in place, make sure it does not pivot when the swallow clings to it. (procedure # 5)
8.2 The swallow learns very quickly to go through the pendulum. It manages after only a few tries. Still, give it a few hours so that this strange object is no longer strange. Then adjust the pendulum as indicated above. (procedure # 6)
8.3 If there are swallow chicks in the nest box and they come to the entrance with their heads out, then adjust the pendulum gradually, over one or two days, so that they get used to its swinging.
ORIENTATION OF THE NEST BOX
Tree swallows seek shelter from the west winds. If your nest box is exposed to strong wind, it would be wise to face the entrance toward the east. At all times, avoid the full midday sun.
WARNING
It is very important to leave the pendulum in operation until the young have left the nest, otherwise they would be at the mercy of predators.
Maintenance:
Store indoors during the cold season;
Add a drop of oil every spring.