Waiting for Mom — Entry for Feathered Friends — Show Me A Photo Contest Round 128; "Hidden"

On the wall of our garden shed next to the garage, we have a birdhouse box that has been frequented by House Martins (Delichon urbicum) for about six years now.

After many years of housing only sparrows, we thoroughly cleaned the box one late autumn, and since then the House Martins have been regular guests.

This is my entry for the Feathered Friends - Show Me A Photo Contest Round 128 challenge organized by @nelinoeva in the Feathered Friends Community.

L0016-HouseMartin5.JPG
Mom shows up with food, FINALLY!

This week's theme is "Hidden," in this post I'm interpreting that as the youngsters still "hiding" in the safety of the nest box.

In a few days (I expect) they will and and hunt for insects, by themselves!

I spent over an hour near the nest box, trying to capture this sequence:

L0016-HouseMartin3.JPG

I think the young one knows when mom or dad is not far away, because suddenly there's a face peering out.

L0016-HouseMartin2.JPG

The the young one starts to get excited, and looks around!

L0016-HouseMartin4.JPG
Mom! I know you're up there! Feed me!

Then a bunch of excited chirping starts up!

L0016-HouseMartin1.JPG
Hungry! Hungry! Hungry! Hungry!

And then mom or dad shows up! It's amazing how quick the food exchange is... the adult bird spends maybe two seconds jamming insects into the youngster's open beak, and then is off again! (top photo)

L0016-HouseMartin6.JPG
Parent sitting atop the roof gable, later than afternoon

Martins are often confused with swallows, and they look much the same in flight. In parts of northern Europe (particularly Scandinavia), they are even known as "House Swallows."

It's difficult to capture the shiny iridescent beauty of their back feathers in a photo, but they are really lovely and sweet little birds; we're very happy they have decided to take up residence here.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoyed the pictures!

labyrinths sig.gif

LL HIVE SIG.png

All images are our own, unless otherwise credited!

Sort:  

So nice to have the family of house martins close to you. Lovely photos of the little one.
How many times the parents fly to and fro to feed their chicks - simply amazing. 🙂

Nature really is amazing! We watch these little bird families every year; from arrival to "flying lessons." And yes, those parents work extremely hard to feed their young!

@sagarkothari88 reward 100 points

💐 🎁 Gift 🎁 💐

Empowering Feathered Friends

  • 😇 More Power to you (@labyrinths) &
  • 👥 More Power to to community - Feathered Friends
  • 🤝 More Power to Hive community Members
  • 🔋 More Power to Hive ♦️
  • 💪 Stronger Together 💪

FAQ 💭

Please 🙇‍♂️ Support Me Back 🙏 - Vote for me

Congratulations @labyrinths! You have completed the following achievement on the Hive blockchain And have been rewarded with New badge(s)

You made more than 100 comments.
Your next target is to reach 200 comments.

You can view your badges on your board and compare yourself to others in the Ranking
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word STOP

Check out our last posts:

Women's World Cup Contest - Quarter Finals - Recap of Day 2
Women's World Cup Contest - Quarter Finals - Recap of Day 1
LEO Power Up Day - August 15, 2023

That is so amazing. I am sad that our patio, where they used to nest, has become inaccessible due to plant growth and they have left. Lovely to see your amazing pics. thank you