Education on the protection of Swallow populations
Swallows are small aerial insectivores. Here are all the species of Swallows present in our watershed, Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), Bank Swallow (Riparia Riparia), Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) and Cliff Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor).
The group, in partnership with other organizations, wants to raise public awareness on Swallow populations in the watershed and share how to protect these species. By using educational tools, Vision H2O will educate the public on Swallows, how to identify them, their habitats and the actions they can do to protect them. We want to show people the connection between ecosystems and our species. The presence of swallows in our region is a good indicator of viable habitat for a variety of species.
Thank you so much to the New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund for the funding provided for this project!
Results for Tree Swallows nesting boxes installed in Cap-Pelé and Beaubassin-est rural community
The results of our 2022 inventory show that there were 58/65 nest boxes with a nest (56 Swallow nests, 1 nest - Bluebird and 1 nest - Black-capped chickadee). That is a success rate of 89% for nesting (92% in 2021). Unfortunately, it is common to observe a mortality among the new generation. In total, 14 unhatched eggs (23 eggs in 2021) and 4 dead young (78 young in 2021) were found in our nestboxes.
In 2021, there were 111 nests of Swallows and Eastern Bluebirds counted. There were 119 juveniles found dead. This year was very different from other years and there were juvenile mortality in some areas (audio). A sudden cold in early July seems to be to blame.
In all the nesting boxes installed in our territory in 2020, 90 Tree Swallow nests including 2 Eastern Bluebird nests have been counted.
Did you know that one Swallow can consume approximatively 1000 mosquitoes per day? The installation of artificial nest boxes creates habitats. The birds will spend less energy searching for a nesting site. To be successful, you have to install your nest box in the right place early spring.
Thank you to New Brunswick Wildlife Trust Fund for the funding as well as Louis-Émile Cormier from GDDPC for the construction of the nesting boxes and Alain Clavette for his participation in our public education efforts.
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