The Swallows Return to Capistrano South

 

The scout swallows arrived on March 12th.  A few days later we had about ten.  Now there are at least 50.  Why am I calling this post The Swallows Return to Capistrano South and what the heck am I talking about?

We live about 90 miles south of the town of San Juan Capistrano.  Last June, I visited the Mission San Juan Capistrano in hopes of finding out how to dissuade the swallows from returning to our home.  You see, this is now the 5th year they have blessed us with their presence.  And, yes, it is a blessing, but it has its downside for the following reasons:

(1) over time, they will destroy the stucco on our home

(2) poop!  There is poop everywhere!

But, I love them – I love the exuberance of their flight, I love the unique twittering song they sing, I love the distinctive mud nests they build and the fact that baby swallows return to the location they were born, thus the increase in the flock every year.

Here’s a show in photos, taken with my fancy, dancy Nikon DSLR 3200 camera.  I took over a thousand photos just to choose these ten.  Last year’s photos and videos were taken with my iPhone.  Even so, I encourage you to read my earlier posts, especially Operation Swallow Adios, which is very funny (I’m not saying that just to give myself a pat on the back – it is truly funny – I was inspired!).  That post is written like a military operation (I’m an Air Force brat – my father was an Air Force Pilot and my brother is an Air Force navigator) and it’s a funny story about my trip to the Mission San Juan Capistrano and a secret that’s been hidden for years by the Mission and surrounding community.  I’ve lived in California for 35 years and I didn’t know!!!

So, enjoy the show…I’ll provide regular updates as the flock numbers increase and the nests are built.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tootles,

Related Posts:

(about Swallows)

• Exaltation of Larks
• Operation Swallow Adios
• Poop!
• Sweet Baby James
• The Best Nests in the West