Meadowlands Tree Swallows Are Back!
Over the last few weeks, you may have noticed small birds with white bellies and iridescent teal-blue backs zipping around DeKorte Park. These are Tree Swallows and they represent some of the earliest migrants of the season and are a telltale sign that spring has sprung in the Meadowlands! These charismatic, aerialist little birds feed primarily on insects that they catch mid-air. They naturally nest in tree holes, hence the name, but are very attracted to bird houses too.
Each spring, MRRI biologists make their annual run through DeKorte and other Meadowlands sites to replace old and install new homes for the swallows. Many of the boxes are occupied by the birds almost immediately upon installation. They will often dispute who gets the best real estate, but there’s plenty of houses to go around, thanks to the Bergen County Audubon Society and its volunteers. It’s shaping up to be another great breeding season for the Tree Swallows here in the Meadowlands!
