Swallow returns

[annmaria]

Hi , I am new to this web site and not really sure if I am doing this right.
I am hoping if some one can tell me how to encourage swallows to return to our garage. They did return for a number of years . The birds were happy entering through large double doors. We took two windows out for when we shut the doors and this worked fine. Last year we had an electric door fitted and went to the trouble of making a round window above the door. Last year they arrived but did not stay , could the window be to high or not big enough.
Any ideas helpful
Thanks Ann Maria

[ron1863]

Hi Annmaria and welcome

[naturelover]

hi annmaria welcome to the site enjoy.

[goosey]

Hi Annmaria, I have had no dealings with swallows - afraid I can't help . You would be wise to ask on the bird section of the forum where those who will have some idea can help!
Welcome to WAB - good luck and keep us informed!

[juliejam]

Hi ther Annmaria...Welcome......Looking forward to seeing you around the forum ...Have fun

Julie

[big bill]

Hello Annmaria and welcome to the site enjoy someone will have an answer to your question no doubt just hang in there

[annmaria]

Thanks for your replies....Big Bill, Juliejam , Goosey and Ron1863. Its great to be on a site which has sane friendly nature lovers. I will try to get involved properly , I am just finding my feet. I am trying to turn a hobby of bird and animal sculpture to earn a penny or two , got a little exhibition ( my first) in November , I am already feeling the pressure, I will be glad when its all over and normal life can resume.
Any ideas on unusual animal behaviour is welcome.
Bye for now
Annmaria

[sanderling]

I do some work on a farm where there are quite a few Swallows, they seem to prefer dark open barns the darker the better, the traditional type of farm barn. They also need some muddy areas to collect nesting mud and, of course insects as their food source so if there is livestock near then this will attract them. As for Swallows using your garage, the window you installed may not be large enough to entice them or it may not look dark enough inside. The surrounding environment might have had a combination of the necessary things to attract them originally but there may have been changes that have subtracted some of the ingredients that the Swallows need. The sight of predators such as cats might deter them but really the more mud, flies and farm animals about the better for Swallows.

[buzfuz8149]

Hi Annmaria,

a warm welcome to WAB, looks like you have found the perfect place for your hobby, you will find this a very friendly helpful site. Looking forward to more posts.

Carol.

[annmaria]

Thankyou I think you are probably right , not big enough and not dark enough if we leave the doors up... I will have to get everyone to shut the gates but leave the new garage doors open , we all love look forward to them returning and it was a real downer when they flew off.
Ann Marie