May 24th, 2008. Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) have a nest in an old woodpecker hole.

 

 

 

 

 

Removing a Carpenter Ant (Camponotus pennsylvanicus) that had wandered into the nest.

 

Although swallows eat insects, ants aren't fit food, probably because of the formic acid they secrete in defense.

 

With the ant discarded, it was back to brooding eggs.

 

 

 

Just room for one adult in the cavity.

 

The other adult perched nearby to groom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 17th, 2008. Almost ready to fly, a young Tree Swallow peers out of the nest.

 

The young birds gape and chirp when they see a parent coming with food.

 

Dragonflies seemed the food of choice today.

 

 

 

 

 

June 18th, 2008. Baby Tree Swallows still being fed by their parents.

 

 

 

Curious about the world...

 

Time to go.

 

First flight: 8:37 A.M.

 

Second baby's turn: 8:46 A.M.

 

June 21st, 2008. Young swallows begging for food.