Under construction

There's a lot of new construction happening at the ranch this spring.

The crew of swallows shows up around noon, right about the time I top off the stock tank and let the water overflow.

They swoop down into the mud to collect their building materials...

...then transport it back to their work site.

I'm not the only sidewalk supervisor. A few of us show up regularly 

to spend our lunch break following the progress.

The crew is a model of productivity.

Despite the tedious and repetitive nature of their job, they come back day after day and keep on building.

They're working on nine nests at various locations around the house. 

Some are new, others are undergoing repairs and renovations.

In the evening, when I settle into my own nest to write a blog post for the next day, the night shift arrives.

It's so easy to get swallowed up into their activities, it's a wonder I ever get anything done.