The Swallows of Arroyo Grande

After seeing Cliff Swallows gathering mud to build nests in Tuba City, Arizona, it was surprising to see the next step in the process in Arroyo Grande, on the California coast.  Here are a few pictures from our hotel, where a good-sized colony of Cliff Swallows was busy building nests under the eaves of the roof.  In the photos below you can see the fresh mud (darker in color) being added to the nest, as well as one complete nest to see what the final product looks like.

A Cliff Swallow works on its nest.

Cliff Swallows have cream-colored foreheads and buffy rumps.

Adding fresh mud to the early stages of a nest.

Tight living quarters.

Finished product.