Cliff Swallows Nesting Under 21st Street Bridge

Most birds stick to twigs and grass when building nests.   But, some birds were discovered building mud nests high above the Arkansas River, up under the 21st Street Bridge.  The News On 6's Rick Wells reports the birds have been really busy.

The birds have their nests all lined up along the bridge support in a nice neat row, like condominiums.  They dart in and back out again, probably bringing food back to the nest.  It's the nests that are so distinctive.  They look like bird houses made of mud.

"It's just a bunch of little pieces of mud, like pellets are stuck together," said Tulsa Zoo bird keeper Cody Hickman.

Hickman hadn't actually seen the birds himself, but said they were probably Barn Swallows or Cliff Swallows.

"They like to nest on stuff that's flat," said Cody Hickman.

The birds dart in and out.  They forage for insects and catch them on the fly.  The nests are far enough off the bike path riders have probably never seen them.

"April thru August is breeding time so they're laying eggs right now, and they've got chicks," said Tulsa Zoo bird keeper Cody Hickman.