Summer of Swallows

Here’s a new free-standing (and wall-hanging) composition and story about a pair of barn swallows that I carved in wood. I was inspired by memories of seeing these beautiful birds nesting several times in the Southern U.S. as well as in France. In fact, they are widely distributed migrating songbirds.

Unfortunately, barn swallows are disappearing at an alarming rate (some figures put it as high as 95%). Habitat decline and the use of pesticide to kill insects are major causes. While they were hunted for the hat trade in the 19th century, they are still hunted for food in parts of their wintering range. Discarded string and fishing line wind up in their nests, which can entangle and trap them. On a positive note, barn swallows have benefited from human-made structures and have expanded their range in North America. If you have a suitable building and can provide a source of mud, you can attract these pretty, insect-eating birds. 

This original sculpture recently won First Place in Songbirds, Best of Open Birds, and Runner Up Best of Open, and Best in Show, Charlotte Woodcarvers 42nd Annual Showcase of Woodcarvings, Charlotte, N.C . It is the largest woodcarving show in the country.