It seems that our mailbox is not only a vessel for holding mail being sent and received, but also an ideal piece of real estate for nesting tree swallows.

Despite my efforts to deter them, they were unswerving in their decision to nest in our mailbox.  A couple times I tried blocking the opening in the back of the mailbox by placing a big rock inside.  Both times I found the big rock fallen on the ground the next day.  Unswerving and strong.

While the swallows prepared their nest, they stood guard.

Never far away, always with an eye on the nest.

Once the eggs hatched, they became especially protective, swooping down like hawks toward anyone who dared go near their home.  Never mind that their home happened to be a mailbox.

Poor Molly was often the target of the birds’ air attacks.  She innocently would go out to the front to do her business, and the swallows would swoop down toward her making warning sounds.  One time they were so aggressive in their swooping that one actually hit her in the head!  She was a good sport about it, though.

I’m happy to report that all the swallow chicks have left the nest and are likely discussing among themselves who has dibs on the prime real estate for next year.