Tree swallows and windows

Windows for watching

Adding windows to your nest box could not be simpler

Why we love her

TO SUCCEED

1) The openings made on the sides must be no more than one inch in diameter. The adults must not be able to get in through this opening and, above all, house sparrows must stay outside. The small windows should be drilled at the same height as the main entrance, slightly lower if the box allows it. Not too much, though, so as not to make things easy for potential predators.

TO BUILD THE NEST BOX WITH WINDOWS

To watch them better! Why not! I don't know anyone who goes to the trouble of offering a nest box to tree swallows without taking the time to watch them at length. From morning to night, we glance at the box hoping to catch sight of them. When they are slow to appear, we always worry and the minutes drag on until their silhouette finally brushes past our heads. These faithful birds keep our passion alive well beyond the mating season.

It is a moving and endearing sight that carries on as long as the brood is still in the cradle. And that is just the point: why not make the most of those curious little heads scanning the horizon at every hour of the day?

It is simple, really: just make two or three openings on each side of the nest box and the job is done. The swallow chicks will not be long in poking their beaks out as soon as their legs have grown. You will see, the sight is truly worth it.

2) The windows must stay closed during the nest-building period and until the birds have reached about twelve days of age.

3) When the chicks are around 12 days old, you open a first window and let the parents get used to this small change. As soon as you see a little head in the window, you can open up a whole side, then the other if you wish, two days later.

4) To make the parents' work easier, it would be wise to set up some perches. The parents will gladly land on them to feed their offspring. They will also rest there for long stretches, readily preferring these spots to the tangle of wires all around.

5) On top of the unique spectacle that will unfold before your eyes, your chicks will be very well fed and the suffocating heat of July will be kept at bay.