Swallow At The Hollow

Here’s a new original woodcarving of one of my favorite birds, the barn swallow. Beautiful to watch, Barn swallows are migrating now as they catch insects on the wing. They are disappearing at an alarming rate though (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. 
I created this wood sculpture to both hang on the wall and be free-standing in equally striking presentations.