Swallow

Swallows and Martins are incredible aviators, and do an excellent job of keeping all sorts of flying insects under control.

They aren't unintelligent, but they ARE concerned for their young.  You can 'condition' them to restrain from aggression if you do several things:

1) take off your hat and glasses, so they can see your face and eyes

2) don't look at their nests, and don't stare at them

3) Go about your business in a predictable fashion

4) If it's a porch, sit in your chair on regular intervals, talk to them, and with your friends, and have your friends follow 1,2 and 3 above.

It may take some time, but keep in mind- swallows and martins are migratory, they fly thousands of miles each fall, and back each spring, and while small, they have impressive memories, and pass on to their young what they know of those around their annual nesting areas.  In short... once they've gotten to KNOW you, they'll REMEMBER you.

My dad has seven purple martin houses on his riverfront, and his boat, which we park on his dock on regular occasions.  My wife, kids, and their friends come down to the dock to load and unload our stuff.  The purple martins will fly by just to see what we're doing, and they may talk a little, but they won't threaten us (dive and cheep-cheep), and amazingly... they won't poop on the boat... but they know us well, and as long as you don't stare at them, they'll be just fine.  When we sit on the boat, at the dock, and eat dinner, they zip over the water, come up over the boat, and snap up all the bugs, keeping it pest-free while we're there.  Amazing creatures they are.

I've got purple martins and swallows here at the farm, and same situation.  Stay cool, they'll relax quite a bit.

 Have not seen the barn swallow for several days. Every time it roosted  on the  porch

  I would chase it out of it's roosting place.  Last time I saw it on the porch it was dark and raining scared it out into the night and rain, have not seen it since.

                                          

You just chased away your best neighbor

Dusty MI wrote: I've put up a Purple Martin house hoping some would move in. So far a pair of Blue Birds are the only ones using it.

To get purple martins to take residence, put the martin house up at least 12ft or more, out in open area, far from trees and buildings.  You'll have best luck if there's a water feature (a pond or large expanse of creek) with clean water, that they can fly in over, and dip their bills for a drink while flying.

Don't use insecticides-  Martins eat bugs, spraying insecticides not only kills off their food supply, it can affect birds that eat insects that DIDN'T die of the treatment.

In central Michigan. Make sure your martin house is in place and ready BEFORE April 1.  The 'scouts' will appear by the 15th, and they will choose their domicile immediately.