For the Third Year, the Swallows Have Returned

So, for the third year in a row, the swallows have returned to the nest on my front porch.  Actually, I first noticed them on 4/16/18, for the first time this year.  I am so thrilled.  I am hopeful that they will successfully raise a brood of young, or perhaps, more than one.

I have patio furniture on the front porch, below where the swallows nest.  As in years past, I have upended the furniture, so the feral cats in my neighborhood do not have a good purchase to jump up to the nest.  

I am concerned that one side of the nest looks weak, but I cannot help the swallows reinforce their nest. 

I like having swallows on my front porch.

The Swallows are Back

For the last few years, I have had a pair of swallows nesting on my front porch.  Earlier this week, I noticed a cat on my front porch, perched on one of the chairs, eager to pounce.  I looked, and there were bird droppings on the floor.  I overturned the chairs and table on the front porch, so the cats do not have purchase to jump up and try to catch the swallows.  I did not see the swallows that day.  But the last few days, I have seen the swallows flying in and out on my front porch.  I suspect they are repairing their nest, which looks a little distressed on one side, but strong elsewhere.  I am so excited to see the swallows. 

The Swallows Have Returned

So, how many years has it been since the swallows have nested on my front porch? They actually returned about 2.5 weeks ago.  They have repaired the nest: there is a small area on the top that has a different color to it, so I think they have rebuilt that area

I try to respect their area, and not invade the front porch. I check the mail regularly. I have overturned the porch furniture, so the local wild cats do not have a good platform from which to launch to try to attack the swallows

I am so excited that the swallows have returned.  I hope that means that the nest on my porch is considered a safe place where they can nest and raise their young.