Swallows .:o(

[LoftyLottie]

For fellow nature lovers.

Came back after shopping just now to find my swallows nest empty. One dead baby with an injury lying on the ground and one live baby (not looking very healthy) which I put back in the nest. The parents are quite distressed. Methinks our Jay has been busy.

Just had to tell somebody. I'm so sad.

[funnytroll]

do you swallow?

[cheries]

Aw lottie I'm so sorry. I hate nature sometimes. I tried to save a baby bird last year, kept it warm and stuff, but in the end they die of shock don't they? I'm sorry love. xx

[LoftyLottie]

Thanks Cherie. I have saved them before by putting them back in the nest, but I don't think this one will.

[yogasun]

Just seen your post LoftyLottie

Awwww, it is so upsetting. Don't know whether the parents will 'bother' now with the poor little one that's left and they can, and do, die of shock. You've done your best, let's keep fingers crossed. xxx

[LoftyLottie]

They won't bother if it's too weak, Yogasun, and will probably just turf it out. but if it is healthy then they usually continue to feed etc. But I don't have much hope for this little one really.

They will probably just build another nest somewhere else in our porch and start again!

I mustn't humanise them but I just can't help it.

[LoftyLottie]

Just been outside and they appear to be feeding him. He has moved around from where I put him. Keeping my fingers crossed now.

[yogasun]

Oh that's great. :-) keep us posted.

[LoftyLottie]

Well, there are actually two in the nest, I couldn't see any earlier. The parents have stopped panicking and are feeding them both. No sign of my little one being thrown out, so I think he must be one of the two. I feel somewhat happier now.

[yogasun]

Phew! Great news, keep us posted !

[frankiecat]

Is Jay a lean, mean, feline killing machine?

My Frankie is watching pigeons at present - his favourite hobby.

[LoftyLottie]

No Frankiecat, our Jay is an actual Jay (the bird) a robber of nests and taker of young birds. Although on this occasion I now think I might have wrongly accused him.

Alicia Cat can't reach this nest and has been grounded for the rest of the day in case Master Swallow falls out again. She's not a great birder (fortunately), although I do get a few offerings. She sat there yesterday watching half a dozen wagtails feeding on the lawn, just yawning occasionally and enjoying the sun.

[chappie]

Lottie, I'm keeping everything crossed for that baby bird.

So sorry.xxx

[LoftyLottie]

Thanks Chappie. I have just checked again and so far so good. He was so weeny and I hesitated to pick him up in case I hurt him more. I had to balance on a stall and really stretch to get him back into the nest. I seem to end up doing silly things like this every year now - it's a wonder I am still in one piece! x

[wolf63]

Frankiecat is actually my cat's user name! He forgot to log out. I am a saddo!

Alicia is a lovely name for a cat. My lady is called Merlin - I call her Princess Merlin.

My two are indoor cats but one day Frankie is going to get himself a pigeon.

Good with your baby swallows - it really is the law of the jungle out there.

[alfieblue]

Dear Lottie - am keeping my fingers crossed. Such is nature. Hope all is well. With best wishes - alfieblue n pup.xxx

[alfieblue]

And Funnytroll - can't you take the hint - no one finds you funny - go and play somewhere else!!!!

[LoftyLottie]

Well, it was very nice of Frankie to respond Wolf. I too have had indoor cats due to living on a main road, but Alicia is allowed out when I am around to keep an eye on her. She is very good and always comes in when called and, fortunately, is frightened of the road.

She doesn't really object to being grounded either.

Thanks Alfieblue and the gorgeous Pup!

[KRUSTYMAN]

You have my deepest sympathies, I know what its like to find a lively nest so full of life suddenly emptied un-naturally. My Robin's 2nd attempt to raise a family in the nest box at the bottom of the garden ended in tragedy yesterday. I knew they must be due to hatch but got up to find the garden deserted and after having a quick look round found the smashed eggs on the floor under the box. I'm assuming it was the squirrel again - I have now taken the box down in case they try again, but I doubt they would anyway because it's getting a little late now.

[LoftyLottie]

Oh dear KRUSTYMAN. Don't we get so involved. You never know they might try again somewhere where that pesky squirrell can't find them.

OMG, as I typed this the Woodpecker came and tapped on the window again. He keeps trying to feed his reflection in the glass and he isn't learning - it really makes us jump!!!

[creampie]

i bet you do swallow....