Swallow dead in nest of live babies

Alice Warner · #1 (**permalink**) 24-07-2011, 01:59 PM

Swallows are nesting in the eaves just above our front door and the mother has been sitting on and off for 3-4 weeks. Two days ago the eggs hatched but the mother has not left the nest for two days. I have just taken a very quick arms-length photo (no flash) to see what's happening. The mother appears to be dead, lying in the nest.

The father is still going back and forth feeding the babies. Is it best to leave the body in the nest or attempt to remove it? So sad. I'm guessing, if in doubt, leave well alone?

Any advice would be welcomed.

Thanks.

Wild-Woman · #2 (**permalink**) 24-07-2011, 02:35 PM

Think I'd be tempted to remove it but perhaps it may be better to get advice from a wildlife centre. The body will inevitably decompose and contaminate the nest. If it was one of the chicks I expect the male would remove it but as it's the female adult, it may be too heavy or the male may be under the impression she is brooding the chicks.
Get some professional guidance.
Very sad but I think this probably happens quite a bit naturally.

Ladywell · #3 (**permalink**) 24-07-2011, 03:29 PM

I would remove the dead body - otherwise it will get fly blown. One of our parent swallows was killed by next door's cat when chicks were only 2/3 days old and I was worried that they wouldn't survive. I think it was the female who was killed - the remaining parent did a brilliant job and reared all 4 chicks.
Hopefully, if the weather stays fine and warm the lone parent should be able to rear them so long as there are not too many.
Our lone parent seems to have founds another mate and they are 'tweeting' around the nest - so who knows - we may have another brood.

Good luck - keep us posted.

Alice Warner · #4 (**permalink**) 24-07-2011, 04:00 PM

Many thanks for the advice. I've done the deed and removed the body. Dug a grave first to make the process as quick as seamless as possible. Rock over the top. So now I just have to keep away and hope the father bird will carry on doing a good job.

Thanks for your help and encouraging words. I'll keep you posted.

Alice Warner · #5 (**permalink**) 25-07-2011, 09:49 PM

Seen the father swallow flying to and fro today (don't watch for long for fear of scaring him off) but all seems well, though I've only seen those same two little heads rise above the surface. I guess that's enough for one adult beak to feed. Our village ought to be renamed Swallowville - they are everywhere!