Barn Swallows

Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O LORD of hosts, my King, and my God.
Psalm 84:3

Barn swallows are one of the beneficial birds on the farm. They fly and flit around eating insects out of the air. They like to make their mud nests in our old barn and our corn crib. We have had 4 nests of swallows raised in the crib so far this year. Below are pictures of the two latest. They have a dark blue upper body, pointed wings, and a forked tail. They are not as afraid of humans as some birds are. I like to watch them come and go as they feed their young.

On the Prairie

The sun’s coming up on the Prairie
Corn and hay glisten with the forenight’s rain
The aroma of the earth fills the senses
Barn swallow darting, diving down the lane.

A church stands alone on the Prairie
Stone graves and pines wait nearby
For the prayers and the songs Sunday morning
As Brethren from far and near arrive.

The Truth is always heard on the Prairie
Winds of change, o’er the years, tests of time
They’re so thankful to God for the Prairie
And the blessing laid there to find.

The wind always blows on the Prairie
As the world and the time pass on by
But God’s Word stands unchanged on the Prairie
Fountain flowing of grace, never dry
Strength and comfort till the day we die.

(from "Strong Trees Grow Slow" album by Tim Sauder)