Posted by Sharon Gilbert on May 29, 2006

Q: Last year I had a family of barn swallows nesting on an eve under my carport. When the babies fledged, they weren't able to fly. They just hit the ground and fluttered around flapping their wings without getting airborne. None of them survived (killed by a cat, car, etc.).

Is that normal, for them not to fly immediately after leaving the nest?

I'm concerned because this year they are nesting in the same place again and there are 5 new babies.

Is here anything I can do to help the fledglings survive? It was so sad to see them struggling in vain last year!

Thanks,

Sharon

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Tennessee

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: I have a guess as to what happened last year. I'm guessing the the babies were close to fledging, not quite ready, but something frightened them and they left the nest early. This year, keep things as quiet as possible around the nest and see if this won't help. I realize you may be using the garage for your car but what if you didn't park it there once you realized the young were almost ready to leave? The babies should have been able to fly from their nest although they wouldn't yet be very good at it. A day or two after the babies fledge, if all goes well, they should leave the garage altogether and you'll have your space back. Barn Swallows are really beautiful birds and certainly deserve our best to keep their populations healthy. Thanks for asking and I hope this helps.

John Wiessinger ( May 29, 2006)