Tag Archives: Cliff Swallows

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Chris Beach photographed the beautiful Cliff Swallows building nests on rocky cliffs. This sandstone looks perfect for multiple nests.

These swallows like to be in a group - no social distancing going on here! They build intricate nests out of mud in the shape of a gourd. This photo was taken some years ago by Robert Scarola.

Cliff Swallows will often use overpasses, the golf course tunnels at Sea Ranch, and even the Gualala Bridge. Rick and I were kayaking under the bridge when I discovered dozens and dozens of Cliff Swallow nests.

Here is a closer look at these beautiful birds. This photo was also taken by Robert Scarola.

These swallows eat lots and lots of insects every day.

Thanks to Chris and Robert for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

It's raining here this afternoon, and the gentle rain feels like a balm.

Spring doesn't know...

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Jonathan Raymond captured a group of Cliff Swallow fledglings on a roof. They were calling their parents to come feed them...NOW!

 And Jonathan got lucky with this photo - one of the parents feeding junior with a sibling protesting nearby.

Thanks to Jonathan for allowing me to share his photos with you here. And here's to the hardworking parents of newly fledged babies everywhere. They are amazing in their dedication.

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Robert and Nancy Scarola recently witnessed several Cliff Swallows building nests in a tunnel on The Sea Ranch Golf Links. There was, of course, a muddy area nearby.

Here's one of the Swallows with a bit of mud, headed back to the nesting area. These Swallows fly so fast it was difficult for Robert to get this photo.

 It looks like several nests are complete and occupied, as Robert's photo shows below.

Birds have to be among the most hard-working creatures on earth. Many migrate, some thousands of miles, twice every year. Then comes nest building, which in the case of these Swallows is a bit of mud, one bit after the other until the job is complete. Then they have to feed their young, tirelessly bringing insects back to the nest. It's easy to take them for granted but they are inspiring. Thanks to Robert for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

If you have Swallows build a nest in an inconvenient spot - say over your front door - please don't destroy the nest. Tack up a cardboard box so it will catch the waste. No mess for you below and a guarantee of a fun sighting in the weeks to come.