Waiting for Mom — Entry for Feathered Friends — Show Me A Photo Contest Round 128; "Hidden"

On the wall of our garden shed next to the garage, we have a birdhouse box that has been frequented by House Martins (Delichon urbicum) for about six years now.

After many years of housing only sparrows, we thoroughly cleaned the box one late autumn, and since then the House Martins have been regular guests.

This is my entry for the Feathered Friends - Show Me A Photo Contest Round 128 challenge organized by @nelinoeva in the Feathered Friends Community.

Mom shows up with food, FINALLY!

This week's theme is "Hidden," in this post I'm interpreting that as the youngsters still "hiding" in the safety of the nest box.

In a few days (I expect) they will and and hunt for insects, by themselves!

I spent over an hour near the nest box, trying to capture this sequence:

I think the young one knows when mom or dad is not far away, because suddenly there's a face peering out.

The the young one starts to get excited, and looks around!

Mom! I know you're up there! Feed me!

Then a bunch of excited chirping starts up!

Hungry! Hungry! Hungry! Hungry!

And then mom or dad shows up! It's amazing how quick the food exchange is... the adult bird spends maybe two seconds jamming insects into the youngster's open beak, and then is off again! (top photo)

Parent sitting atop the roof gable, later than afternoon

Martins are often confused with swallows, and they look much the same in flight. In parts of northern Europe (particularly Scandinavia), they are even known as "House Swallows."

It's difficult to capture the shiny iridescent beauty of their back feathers in a photo, but they are really lovely and sweet little birds; we're very happy they have decided to take up residence here.

Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoyed the pictures!

All images are our own, unless otherwise credited!