Barn Swallow Mud Nest Just Vanished (1 Viewer)

[BayouBreeze]

Hoping someone can offer an answer to a perplexing event with our barn swallow nest. For 3 years now we have had a well-built mud nest in the corner of our porch overhang, with a pair returning each year. The nest was in a very dry & protected location, with no predators. My wife & I have enjoyed sitting under the porch watching this pair, from the initial nest building to raising their brood. Last night, my wife glanced up to notice that the nest was no longer there, with only the foundation left. There has been no mud debris on the patio to indicate any active destruction of the nest, which my wife would have surely noticed since she is almost OCD about keeping the patio area clean. It literally looks like the nest was systematically deconstructed and carried away. My wife speculated that maybe the barn swallows had disassembled the nest to build a new one, but I've never heard or read of such behavior. I have been unable to find anything on the internet to explain what could have happened to the nest. Any insights or similar experiences?

 

[Fandango739]

I hate to ask, but is there any chance a 'well-meaning' neighbor or lawn care person might have decided to 'tidy up' your porch by removing the nest? Unlike bird people, there are those that think swallows are a nuisance. Sigh.

 

[BayouBreeze]

I hate to ask, but is there any chance a 'well-meaning' neighbor or lawn care person might have decided to 'tidy up' your porch by removing the nest? Unlike bird people, there are those that think swallows are a nuisance. Sigh.

No, not a chance. I do my own lawn maintenance & pest control, and nobody has access to the back yard except through the locked gates. Just a mystery. But, we did see the swallows hanging around again, so we're hoping they will rebuild. Thanks for the reply!