This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Mission San Juan Capistrano plays bird calls to lure cliff swallows
Cliff swallows on a line.
(
Arthur Chapman/Flickr
)
The Mission San Juan Capistrano is trying a new way to charm cliff swallows back to nest at its stone church...through song.
Last week, the Mission started playing amplified loops throughout the day of the chirps that male birds make during courtship. The sound can last from four to six hours — and the clip of the song is itself 10 minutes long.
The birds used to come to the Mission every spring during migration, in a celebration known as the "miracle of the Swallows." But the number of birds has been decreasing every year for decades as urbanization threatens their nesting grounds.
The Mission plans to keep playing the calls through next month, saying that the method has worked before on other social birds.
So far, the Mission says some cliff swallows are feeding nearby, but they haven’t begun building their mud nests.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
