Hello, experts.

 

Can anyone provide an answer to this query I received?

 

Thanks,

 

Pat Valdata

Elkton

Subject: A bird question from Warwick, MD

 

Good morning. We are hoping that you can solve a birding mystery for us. 

 

My husband and I live in Warwick, MD on an old farm that we are renovating.
We live on 3.5 acres of former farmland.  We have one large barn, one
smaller barn and 2 smaller out buildings as well.  Behind us is a large
field planted in corn.  We have neighbors on 2 sides all of whom are
surrounded by open fields.

 

Each year for the past 3 years we have had several nesting pairs (usually at
least 3) of barn swallows.  We also usually have chimney swifts and tree
swallows.     

 

This year the barn swallows came as usual and started building nests in the
barn and the shed.  We noticed after a while that we did not see the
swallows any more and that at least one nest had been abandoned with eggs in
it.  Also, we have not seen any chimney swifts this year and the tree
swallows are few and far between.  We notice that we do not see barn
swallows on the wires down the road which we had always seen in the area as
well. 

 

Other observations include a noticeable lack of the usual bugs in the
vicinity even at night.  We have a hawk in the area that has been
terrorizing our other birds.  Also, this year we have an abundance of
mocking birds with nests in trees all over the property.  

 

I cannot think of any other info that may help solve the mystery.  We are
very sorry that the swallows have abandoned us as we watch them with great
interest every year.  I can't say that our 2 cats miss them as I am certain
that they are happy not to be dive bombed in the yard every day!  

 

We certainly appreciate any insights you may have on this issue.

 

Thank you.