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Swallows follow the warm weather southwards every autumn and spend their winters in the southern tip of Africa. They make the return journey every spring arriving in April. Upon their arrival their first priority is to find a nest site but this is becoming harder as old buildings are demolished or repaired, farm buildings are secured or converted and some established nests are even deliberately removed in 'tidy-up' operations.
Swallows will use a special open nest box in an enclosed area to nest. Swallows are sociable birds but the nest cups should not be placed too close together. A minimum distance of 1m between nest cups is recommended. To ensure the swallows have sufficient room in the nest cup and when arriving and leaving there should be at least 6cm free space above the nest cup. When choosing a suitable spot for the nest it is essential that birds have constant access throughout the breeding season. If you are siting the cup in a shed or other outhouse, this may mean leaving a window or door open permanently.
