By Sally Gracie
It didn’t take long for swallows to turn the Nice Nest into a home.
Build it, hang it, and they will come. And aren’t they the handsome couple!
Patrick Hannigan hung my Nice Nest for swallows on the side of the outbuilding last week. By early Sunday morning (April 19), several pairs of tree swallows — deep blue iridescent backs and white fronts — swooped and swallowed over the yard, coming close to the birdhouse to case it out. They inspected the front door and scanned for threatening neighbors. Finding the house acceptable, one pair of tree swallows had taken possession of their new home by late afternoon. Patrick knew just which space would be most comfortable for the birds and be close enough to allow me a great view of the action.
Patrick Hannigan installs Sally’s new Nice Nest.
I’m bewitched. I sat on a milk crate in the grass. Holding camera and iPhone, for an hour I waited to grab a photo of my winged tenants at their front door. Once I had my picture — it took the birds a while to ignore me — I returned to my porch table. My eyes drifted away from my book. My swallows are much more entertaining. I can read at night while the swallows rest.
Other birds I’ve enjoyed this week are the pair of Canada geese that fly the runway up and down above the Twisp River. Sometimes I can see them from the porch, and I can always hear their noisy honks.
The Edwards family will benefit from the proceeds of a silent auction and grilled chicken supper at the Methow Valley Eagles hall this weekend. Dinner is $8 and will be served from 5-7 p.m. Auction tables will be open from 2-5 p.m.
There are several ways for the community to support Richard, who is being treated for two types of leukemia at Seattle Cancer Care. His wife, Jennifer (whom I first met when she was working at Hank’s Harvest Foods), is with him. If you are unable to attend the dinner, consider these other options. Donations can be made at the Giveforward website at www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/sjk7/fundraiser-for-richard-edwards-lleukemia-fund, or directly at North Cascades Bank in Twisp to the Richard Edwards Fund. Collection jars are placed in several businesses around town, including Hank’s.
According to information provided by the Edwards family, Richard recently suffered from tiredness and a persistent nosebleed. His hemoglobin count was found to be dangerously low, and he was taken to a hospital in Seattle. Edwards must remain there for aggressive treatment for six months, during which time he won’t be able to work.
Richard, Jennifer and their children Autumn (11) and Fischer (9) live on Twisp-Carlton Road.
