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.
I was afraid, when I came across the swallows in some intense squabbling again, that we were going to have to re-name them the "violent" green swallows...
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.
Female swallow at small possible nest hole at top of utility pole. This might not even be useable nesting site, but immediately the flock went into intense interactions with each other.
Full body contact in mid-air as the paired couples compete with other pairs in the group for a possible nesting site.
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.)
(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.
Surprised some cedar waxwings in the old orchard area, among the apple blossoms. Most of the trees have been cleared here, but a small section remains.
Cedar waxwing and apple blossom
Starling youngster really getting big. Here is a useable nest hole in a utility pole but the starlings got it first. (Wow, they look like they have some serious housekeeping problems..like something exploded)
Allen hummingbird in the grevillea hedge still in residence.
Photogenic steller's Jay on back yard fence near Furlong Rd.
Fluffed up western bluebird at the end of a branch, lower orchard