This spring the tree swallow nesting boxes were washed with soapy water and bleach, and the outsides were rubbed with linseed oil to protect the wood from rain. They were put up on the following dates:

March 20: Boxes 1-4
March 21: Boxes 5-9
March 24: Boxes 13, 14
March 27: Boxes10-12 and C
Early April: Box 15
Early March: Boxes B and D were emptied of debris and left in place at Lusitania
Mid-March: Box A put up at Black's Nook.

Tree Swallows were first observed in the area on March 31. Within a few days they were seen inspecting the boxes.

By early June all but two of the Tree Swallow boxes were known to be occupied by Tree Swallows. This appears to be a remarkably successful year for these birds.

Chickadee boxes have been left in place because these small birds begin nesting in February before the ground is thawed enough to drive the poles into the soil. The boxes were cleaned out in late fall, 2008.

Chickadee boxes are more difficult to monitor due to the more furtive behavior of chickadees and the fact that the boxes at Lusitania are not visible from the path because of the growth of vegetation. The boxes will be inspected in the fall.

If you visit Fresh Pond, you can help Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation monitor the nesting boxes. If you see any bird or other animal activity near any of them, write down your observation on one of the monitoring sheets in the Ranger Station and leave the page in the back ofthe same box, or email friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com , or call Ranger Jean at 617-349-4793. Thank you!

Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation
Spring 2009

The photos clearly indicated that 7 nests had fledged broods: one box contained a House Sparrow nest, and one was empty. Photos of five other boxes showed feathered nests, but not the contents. Two boxes were taken down later, and the contents were not photographed. During the summer we frequently observed swallows entering and leaving these 6 boxes, so we believe it is likely that the young were successfully fledged. A success rate of 13 out of 15 boxes is reason to celebrate!

The Chickadee boxes were opened and examined in early December. None contained birds' nests. One contained a small nest of hornets, which were groggy due to the cold weather, and were removed.

We do not know why these boxes were unsuccessful. In February we will stuff them with wood shavings, as has been advised by experienced people. It is believed that the nesting instinct of these birds is triggered by the act of clearing out a cavity.