Media Release

March 25, 2024

For immediate release

New Barn Swallow Nesting Structure erected at Prince Edward Point

Members and supporters of South Shore Joint Initiative (SSJI), Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory (PEPtBO) and Prince Edward County Field Naturalists (PECFN) are elated by the sight of a new nesting structure for Barn Swallows at Prince Edward Point.

The structure has been erected by the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) very close to the location of the previous shed used by the Swallows. Following a design that has proved successful at Rondeau Park on Lake Erie, the structure is about 16 ft. long and 8 ft. wide with a peaked metal covered roof. It is raised 7 ft. from the ground on six “legs” set in cement and encased in stove pipe “critter guards”. The sides fall from the roof line about 4 ft. leaving ample room for Swallows to swoop under the sides to access the structure. In addition, there are entrance holes on two sides. Inside the structure the CWS technician has placed nests scavenged from the demolished building. The nests are secured on shelves and held in place with small scraps of wood. They are scattered throughout the structure at several levels.

Canadian Wildlife Service is to be commended on the speedy construction of the Barn Swallow nesting structure – and on the care taken to preserve and instal the old nesting material in the new structure.

During February members of SSJI, PEPtBO and PECFN met with CWS personnel and wrote letters to Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Jean-Francois Tremblay, deputy minister, Ryan Williams MP, Bay of Quinte, Tara Shannon, Assistant Deputy Minister Environment and Climate Change and several CWS officials. We raised alarm through social media and local and regional print, online, radio and television media. We were heartened by the support for the Barn Swallows from every corner. The Canadian Wildlife Service promised they would erect an alternate structure before the Swallows returned and they have kept the promise.

Barn Swallows are expected to begin arriving at Prince Edward Point in April. Their new home is waiting, and we all hope they find it to their liking.

-30-

For information:

Cheryl Anderson

[email protected]

613-849-7743

South Shore Joint Initiative is a volunteer run, non-profit registered Canadian charity with a mission to educate and advocate for the protection, preservation and restoration of South Shore lands and waters in Prince Edward County, where together biodiversity and people thrive.

Media coverage:

1. County Live: https://www.countylive.ca/new-barn-swallow-nesting-structure-erected-at-prince-edward-point/