Barn Swallows vs. Cats
Published: Friday, July 5, 2019
The barn swallows have been returning to our hoop barn for years. It started with a pair, then two. It just grew from there. I counted at least 10 pairs this spring. I am always happy to see those mosquito-eating machines return.
Although the cats don't have the same pairing up system, they multiply every year too. Because there is some attrition due to a busy road, old age, or sometimes just being born as the cat with very little common sense, the cat numbers don't seem to keep up with the barn swallow numbers. Which is a good thing.
Both bird and mammal species share the barn. Sometimes there is an uneasy truce. Other times, it is all-out war.
Over-confident cats climb hay mountains, waiting for a swallow to swoop close enough to jump. An unsuspecting swallow may be on the receiving end of a surprise swipe by a cat, but the swallow's speed and agility rarely fail.
The real entertainment begins when the swallows dive-bomb the cats and kittens. Whether it is a tease-play or putting those cats in their place, it is always a circus show of entertainment when the barn swallows take on the cats.
A brave swallow dives, veers at a cat, then pulls up and out of reach, gliding away and out of reach from a surprised feline. The cat, who was merely strolling along, minding its own business, is completely caught off guard by the jokester swallow. The encounter usually ends with a bewildered cat doing a surprise twisted back-flip, brought on by the startling and silent attack of the swallow.
Don't mistake my glee in these cat and bird wars for the dislike of either species. I am a fan of cats, even have one in the house. I keep the barn cats fed, even though they are supposed to pull their own weight as rodent killers. I like those ivory breasted, pointy-tailed barn swallows too. And I am sorry, but it just makes me laugh when every once in a while, the birds get the better of those cats who are always out to eat the birds.
Even though it feels like we just slipped into summer, it won't be long until the swallows will be making their way to a warmer climate. In the meantime, I'll enjoy their daily airshow and watch for an occasional cat attack to add some extra entertainment to the show.
Bev Berens is a freelance writer and FFA parent from Holland, Mich. She can be contacted at uphillfarm494@yahoo.com.
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