Top Photo: New tree swallow nest box in wetlands.

For the past three years we’ve had tree swallows nesting in a nest box meant for waterfowl, wood ducks or hooded mergansers to be specific. That’s fine. We welcome all birds. In fact, great crested flycatchers have used the box in the past, as well as the intended wood ducks.

We discourage mammals such as raccoons. Those wily creatures have used one of our wood duck nest boxes in the past when it was hung on a tree on a small island in the wetlands. Our newest wood duck box is planted in water far enough from land to keep raccoons from making the swim, we hope. So far, so good.

With the new nest box made specifically for tree swallows we wish to free up the wood duck box for the waterfowl. But, if the tree swallows continue to use the larger nest box, so be it. They’re welcome. The new box, though, is sized and placed with the dimensions tried and true for their species.

Installation of the new tree swallow nest box occurred February 28, 2025 in our wetlands. It’s easily seen from our boardwalk as you descend into the wetlands and pass the area along the boardwalk where sliders (turtles) gather, just below the walkway, hoping to grab some accidentally dropped foodstuffs from visitors (Please don’t feed the turtles, birds, or other wildlife).

Here’s a series of photos of the building and installation of the box.

I’m excited. It’s March and the swallows should be arriving soon. We’re ready for them.

Thanks Christian, Dakota and the rest of the Exhibits Team!

Ranger Greg