Tree Swallow Nest Box Project

By late January, Tree Swallows begin arriving in Central Park to find a place to nest and raise their young.  Tree Swallows search out old trees and snags with woodpecker holes near open marshes, lakes and streams to build their nests.  They will also use nest boxes as a place to raise their young.

As you walk around Lake Elizabeth, look towards the island.  You will see Tree Swallows circling over the island and flying back and forth over the lake in search of insects.  Tree Swallows are aerial feeders.  They forage over land and water. swerving and dipping to feed on midges, gnats, horseflies, ants, moths, grasshoppers, dragonflies, mayflies and mosquitoes; all of which breed in an open water environment such as marshes and lakes.  These insects are an abundant food source for the swallows.

The Nest boxes are located on the island, along the southeast shore adjacent to Mission creek, and in Stivers Lagoon.  A large majority of these boxes were built by Fremont Resident Robin Yount.  Students from Irvington High School working on their Benchmark Project have been active in monitoring the boxes to find out the role that Tree Swallows play in their environment.  Students are encouraged to contact Sandy Ferreira if they are interested in monitoring these nest boxes in the future. 
  
The Tree Swallow nest box project benefits the community in many ways.  Park visitors enjoy watching the aerial feeders dip and dive, foraging over land and Lake Elizabeth in search of insects.  Swallows consume large quantities of bugs such as mosquito, gnats, and midges and serve as a natural environmental pest control.