Nesting platforms for Phoebes, Barn swallows, etc.

[Siberman]

I was thinking about installing some ledges in the barn or north side of the house . Anyone have a link for more info on location and other requirements ?

[NancyinEnidOK]

Siberman, funny you should post that. I found something while researching House Finches this afternoon. Here are several kinds of birdhouse/platform/ledge plans:

//www.50birds.com/BPHouseFinch.htm

I am going to try to populate my place with House Finches. There are already some here, but they don't seem to put up with any nonsense from HOSP , so I want more!

Good luck!

[D'Nese]

I too would like to attract barn swallows, the hubby just built me 2 of the swallows "nest ledge". We have them during the summer and they seem very interested in our porch. We will attach them to the shed.....haven't seen them arrive yet so still waiting...?

[Siberman]

Thanks for the link, Nancy.

D'Nese, you should move to Texas. There's no shortage of barn swallows here.

While we're on the subject , can anyone identify the small swallows that build round (like a softball with an opening ) mud nests on highway overpasses and bridges near lakes ? There's a colony on the 1519 bridge ( crossing Bob Sandlin near Leesburg in Camp County ) that's close to a thousand . They're smaller than martins and barn swallows but stockier.

[NancyinEnidOK]

Hi, Siberman! I am glad that link may be useful to you! I just got a couple of power saws and once my NB traps are built, will probably make a couple of platforms and other things for my front porch. Hey, the smaller swallows you mentioned may be cliff swallows. There is a colony about a half mile from my house. There is a bridge kind of high above a little creek, and last year there were hundreds of them in their little mud nests beneath the bridge! To me they looked a lot like barn swallows only smaller. I ID'd them based upon appearance and where they colonized. Really pretty little guys. Take care!