Reading Richard's post about the disappearance of cliff swallow nests in the concrete
gazebo at Hoover has raised some questions. I usually look for balance in the management
of wildlife, on my farm and in my home state, so don't get me wrong.
If a migratory bird, supposedly protected by international treaty, can have its nests
destroyed, apparently without a known explanation, what is one to think?
Were these birds considered a nuisance?
Who administrates the structure in question? Has anyone asked them?
Sometime in recent months we have been admonished that mere possession of birds' nests,
even old nests not likely to be reused, is not legal, except by credentialed educational or
academic personnel. Is wanton destruction of such nests allowed, by vandals, maintenance
people, or officials?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Two years ago I looked up to see who was emitting a scratchy screech (or maybe it was a
screechy scratch) in the rafters of our largest barn. Personally, I was delighted to find that
cliff swallows were building two nests, borrowing mud from one of the "dust" wallows
excavated by our llamas. Unfortunately, it stopped raining the second week of June, the
mud source dried up, and the nest building was never concluded. But they were at the time
a new "yard" bird for our farm.
Delightful animals, well worthy of our stewardship!
Bob Evans
Geologist, etc.
Hopewell Township, Muskingum County, DeLorme 70A1
(currently working in southern California, and missing all the action at home)
PS: Jane reports the first hummingbird of the season was checking out the feeders today.
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