Should you keep records?
You've done it!  You've chosen a good project site.  You've built boxes and
located them properly.  And Tree Swallows have found them!  Now you can
enjoy the birds.  You could simply leave them alone, watching and listening
from a distance, gratified that you've given them homes, and if this is what
you want, it's fine.  However, you may want to go farther, to look closer into
the birds' lives, note the progression of nest building, count eggs as they're
laid, marvel at how fast nestlings grow and develop, and thrill to see newly-
fledged juveniles flutter over the fields and wetlands.  Much of the pleasure
of Tree Swallow projects comes from the uniquely close observations these
birds allow, and for many people keeping nest records is an essential part of
their enjoyment.  They like to record progress of each nest attempt, and to
measure reproductive performance of individuals and age classes.  They like
to compare seasons to get a sense of long term trends at their site.  They
take pride in contributing to the overall knowledge of the species by sending
their nesting data to Nestwatch.  All these options are open to you.  Please
consider at least recording basic data.  It isn't unnecessary busy-work; quite
the opposite.  It actually helps structure and expand your experiences, and
once you get used to keeping records you'll be glad you did.












What are "basic data"?
Basic data are commonly recorded measures of aspects of nesting, including:  
  • Species using each box.
  • Number of nesting attempts.
  • Occupancy rate: % of boxes that had nesting attempts.
  • Egg data: clutch start and completion dates, number eggs laid, clutch
    size average and range.
  • Nestling data: number and % of eggs that hatched, brood average
    number and range at hatching and again at 12 days.
  • Fledging: number fledged, % of eggs laid that fledged, and % of nestlings
    hatched that fledged.
  • Mortality: causes of egg, nestling, and adult mortality, when known.

Data is accumulated gradually over the nesting season and involves use of
four record sheets:
  • Box Check Records: Sheets for recording box contents on each visit.
  • Nest Box Records: Running logs of the progress of individual nesting
    attempts over time.
  • Control Sheet: A single master sheet outlining the status of nesting
    attempts.  It also determines dates when boxes should be checked.
  • Season Summary: An annual "report card" compiled at the end of
    nesting.

The four pages listed above link to examples of each type of sheet, where
their use is explained.  You can use our formats, which are adapted from ones
use at the Long Point Bird Observatory, develop your own, or try ones
offered by sources such as NestWatch.

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Learn About Birds at Tree Swallow Nest Box Projects
Keeping Records