Day 150: May 29th – Adobe “houses”

Sunny, warm and calm

       We have a boat on Greenwood Lake which we love to use in the summer.  The boat is at a dock in shallow water……very shallow water.  This year, the lack of rain and snow has resulted in a very low level of the lake which is drawn down each year to help control aquatic vegetation.  The process of replenishment has been a long affair and most of the boats have yet to be put into the water.  Bad for the boaters but good for the Barn swallows.

       One of the runabouts ready for launching but on dry land for now has become the site of a determined swallow couple’s new home.  Tirelessly, they move out to the lake’s edge, gather mud, and bring it back to the boats superstructure for inclusion into the new nest.  Unfortunately, the owner of the marina is responsible for each vessel and must reluctantly tear the nest down each night. 

       The next day, back come the swallows to begin anew.  Sooner or later, they are bound to move on and find a more hospitable site to build.  In the meantime, you have to admire the ambition and perseverance of these remarkable birds.  We wish them well.