Tuesday 13 September 2016

WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY -House Martins on Video at Oxford Island

While we were at Oxford Island on our way to The Argory I took a very short video of the House Martins flying into and out of their nest.  The shot below really only shows their mud made nests. Barn Swallows, Cliff Swallows and House Martins all build nests out of mud. While the barn swallow most typically builds on man-made buildings, such as barns, the cliff swallow tends to nest under bridges. These birds build gourd-shaped nests about the size of a grapefruit.



Each mud nest has a small opening to allow for entry and exit. These birds build their nests by collecting mud in their bills and mixing it together with grass stems to create pellets. Starting with a small shelf for sitting, the birds build the nest's sides around themselves. Swallows often take materials to line their nests from neighbouring nests.

CLICK HERE if the video dow not appear.



I am linking this post with WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY

Many thanks for visiting and also to all who leave comments.

16 comments:

  1. Incredibly busy little architects aren't they?

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    1. yes Sue indeed they are this must be a second bro is quite latod as it have young in the nest still (near end of August)

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  2. Chittering and talking the whole time! I wonder if these are the only bird species that make nests from mud.

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  3. Hello, the nest are neat. Great photos and video. Happy Tuesday, enjoy your day!

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  4. A family of swallows built a nest inside a barn that I had years ago. After that, I had to leave a door open so they could get inside to have access to their nest. They're fun birds to watch in flight.

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  5. oh they are so busy, a great video!!!

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  6. Great video and interesting nests.

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  7. Great to see the photo and video of those busy little birds :)

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  8. When I was growing up we had barn swallows in our horse barn. Always enjoyed seeing them. They were welcome guests.

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  9. Today's post is not only educational but that video is a lot of fun!
    Thank you, Margaret, for sharing your beauty with us!
    (We've enjoyed following your "Argory Chronicles". What a place!)

    All is well here in hot, humid, central Florida! Gini and I wish you all the best.

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  10. Crowded! So many nests at the same place. :)

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