Empty nest

Early this morning the last of the Violet-green Swallow nestlings became a fledgling, 27 days after hatching on June 23.  I miss them already, and hope to see some of them back here next year when they return from their winter quarters somewhere in Mexico or Central America.

Violet-green Swallows fledging today

Yesterday, July 17, there were still three young Violet-green Swallows in the nestbox being fed frequently by the busy parents.

Today, July 18, by 8:30 a.m. there was only one still inside, alternately resting, begging to be fed at the opening, or creating chaos in the box by stretching his wings and practicing flapping them.

His two siblings were outside flying around with the parents, or perching with them on the powerlines.  They were a bit clumsy at landing, but were catching on fast.

The adult male (above left) with one of the fledglings.

Violet-green nestlings growing up

The tufts of down are disappearing rapidly, and the little Violet-green Swallows are occasionally moving out of the nest cup toward the nestbox opening.  I'm expecting that by tomorrow or the next day they will be meeting the food-bearing parents at the door.

Violet-green nestlings, two weeks old

The young Violet-green Swallows are growing fast, and today are only two weeks old, but almost completely covered with downy feathers.  Wing feathers are starting to grow, and the eyes have been open for about three days.