[tn-bird] Swallows, Brainerd Levee
- From: "David & Gloria Patterson" <dgpatterson@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 14:15:27 -0000
Cliff Swallows nest in the water tunnels in the concrete section of Brainerd
Levee. There are 3 large tunnels on the Shallowford end, each very
approximately 10 ft wide, 20 ft high and 40 ft long. The first has about 10
nests in good condition and the 2nd and 3rd about 30 good nests each. I
would estimate that at least 20 nests were active this spring / summer. All
the birds left weeks ago.
Today as I looked over the edge I heard loud squeaking which lasted for
about a minute and then quit. This happened each of the 4 times I
approached this spot, over about an hour or so. The last time I waded over
to the tunnels to find out what it was. In the 3rd tunnel, at the most
distant corner, was a single Cliff Swallow nest and against the side of it a
structure which looked like a fresh half-sized Barn Swallow nest. On this
half nest were four immature Barn Swallows (notched tails, trace of white
band, no buffy rump, couldn't see undersides). They were full sized,
completely feathered, and looked as if they would have no trouble flying,
but they merely struggled to hang on to the tiny nest.
I saw no other swallows of any kind during the hour and think these birds
may have been abandoned or orphaned. The small size and late nest might
indicate unhealthy or abnormal parents. The location was unusual; I don't
recall ever seeing Barn Swallows and Cliff Swallows nesting together.
Incidentally, the swallows could not have seen me nor shadow nor reflection,
nor heard me, until I waded to the entrance of the tunnel, but each time I
approached they let out a minute of outrageous squalls, then shut up, even
though I continued moving around the area.
I would be interested in any recollections of Barn and Cliff nesting
together or at the same location (although this nest could have been built
after the Cliff Swallows left).
David Patterson
Chattanooga
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