barn swallows fledge again

Last year it was July 16. This year, the first date I saw the young barn swallow emerge from their nest was June 4. Four small birds, although they don't look small when they all crowd back into the nest.

fledgling barn swallows

Just today, under the eaves outside our research offices, fledged a family of barn swallows.

I had no idea when I started this job almost a year ago how much I would watch birds.

One little bird sat on the edge of a table so quiet and still. Still and quiet as I was, an adult boldly flew right in front of my face, trying to scare me off. Adult bird and baby bird were in the middle of something and I was not invited to the fledge party. Still I watched them as they sat on the gutters and looked around while parents flew back and forth, coaxing them out of the comfort of the courtyard.