New Barn Swallow nesting structure erected at Prince Edward Point

Barn Swallow on Sumac – photograph by Ian Barker

Barn Swallows are expected to begin arriving at Prince Edward Point in April and thanks to efforts of local naturalists and support of the public, their new home is waiting.

Members and supporters of South Shore Joint Initiative (SSJI), Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory (PEPtBO) and Prince Edward County Field Naturalists (PECFN) were elated by the sight of a new nesting structure for Barn Swallows at Prince Edward Point.

The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) had removed the original Barn Swallow nesting shed on Feb. 27 as part of plans to remove all the remaining buildings of the fishing village that has existed at Point Traverse since the 19th century.

Barn Swallows are a species at risk listed as Threatened federally and Special Concern in Ontario. The shed was habitat for up to 70 Barn Swallows. Barn Swallows may hatch as many as 10 young in a season with two broods.

Cheryl Anderson, SSJI vice-president, reports the structure has been erected by the CWS close to the location of the previous shed used by the Swallows.

– Cheryl Anderson photo

“Following a design that has proved successful at Rondeau Park on Lake Erie, the structure is about 16-ft. long and 8-ft. wide with a peaked metal covered roof. It is raised 7 ft. from the ground on six “legs” set in cement and encased in stove pipe “critter guards”. The sides fall from the roof line about 4 ft. leaving ample room for Swallows to swoop under to access the structure. In addition, there are entrance holes on two sides.

“Inside the structure the CWS technician has placed nests scavenged from the demolished building,” said Anderson. “The nests are secured on shelves and held in place with small scraps of wood. They are scattered throughout the structure at several levels.

“Canadian Wildlife Service is to be commended on the speedy construction of the Barn Swallow nesting structure – and on the care taken to preserve and install the old nesting material in the new structure.”

In February, members of SSJI, PEPtBO and PECFN met with CWS personnel and wrote letters to Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jean-Francois Tremblay, deputy minister, Ryan Williams MP, Bay of Quinte, Tara Shannon, Assistant Deputy Minister Environment and Climate Change and several CWS officials.

“We raised alarm through social media and local and regional print, online, radio and television media. We were heartened by the support for the Barn Swallows from every corner,” said Anderson. “The Canadian Wildlife Service promised it would erect an alternate structure before the Swallows returned and they have kept the promise.”

Campaign results in promise to build new structure for Barn Swallows

South Shore Joint Initiative is a volunteer run, non-profit registered Canadian charity with a mission to educate and advocate for the protection, preservation and restoration of South Shore lands and waters in Prince Edward County, where together biodiversity and people thrive. Click here to visit the SSJI website