

(The old apple trees were at the end of their lives, and most were removed last year in preparation for new plantings of organic lemon trees. The new trees won't provide much swallow nesting either for many years, until they mature.)






May have mis-read the swallows behavior as antics - they migrate here to raise their young, and they are not nest builders (they use existing nest cavities). The loss of the old apple trees impacts them greatly this year, and puts their group under incredible stress, since nesting sites are severely limited now. ![]() Then I saw one was jumping up to a nest like opening in the utility pole, as another swallow immediately reacts by leaping up. It finally became clear that the fights are about nesting, since their old tree nests are gone. ![]() Face off in the air - tension in the group plays out in confrontations, as habitat loss threatens their nesting season. (The old apple trees were at the end of their lives, and most were removed last year in preparation for new plantings of organic lemon trees. The new trees won't provide much swallow nesting either for many years, until they mature.) ![]() Another clue was they only went at it like this when they landed near this utility pole, with a possible nest hole site at the top. ![]() Thinking it over, I got some nest boxes and put up six, mostly on the utility poles. Not sure if it is too late already or not, but it's worth a try. ![]() Elsewhere in the orchards, where some of the old apple trees are still standing, a lesser goldfinch stops on a branch with blossoms. ![]() Cedar waxwing and apple blossom ![]() Allen hummingbird in the grevillea hedge still in residence. ![]() Fluffed up western bluebird at the end of a branch, lower orchard
1 Comment
Judy Brown
5/13/2014 01:14:23 am
These are wonderful photos you are doing great things with your Nikon. Beautiful exposures,composition,amazing!
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