Barn Swallows returning to Prince Edward Point will have a nesting site when they return next month.
The Canadian Wildlfe Service (CWS) has erected a new structure very close to the location of the previous shed that had been used by the birds for several years.
The structure follows a design that has proven successful at Rondeau Park on Lake Erie.
The structure is about 16′ x 8′ with a peaked metal covered roof. It is raised 7′ off the ground on six “legs” set in cement and encased in stovepipe “critter guards.” The sides fall from the roofline leaving ample room for Swallows to swoop under the sides to access the structure. In addition, there are entrance holes on two sides.
Inside are nests that were scavenged from the demolished building.
The nests are scattered throughout the structure at several levels and are secured on shelves and held in place with small scraps of wood.
The original shed was one of five former fishing village structures that were torn down last month.
Members and supporters of South Shore Joint Initiative (SSJI), Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory (PEPtBO) and Prince Edward County Field Naturalists (PECFN) are elated by the sight of the new nesting structure.
In a joint release, they commended CWS on the speedy construction of the Barn Swallow nesting structure – and on the care taken to preserve and install the old nesting materials in the new structure.
During February, members of SSJI, PEPtBO and PECFN met with CWS personnel and wrote letters to Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jean-Francois Tremblay, deputy minister, Ryan Williams MP, Bay of Quinte, Tara Shannon, Assistant Deputy Minister Environment and Climate Change and several CWS officials about the plan to tear down the old fishing shacks and the harm it could do to the swallows.
They say Barn Swallows are expected to begin arriving at Prince Edward Point in April and they hope the birds find it to their liking.
