Although swallows (Hirundo rustica) are not usually found in stonework cities, there are some swallows in Helsinki that nest in boat harbours and under small bridges. On the Pihlajasaari islands, they usually nest under the connecting boat pier and the bridge connecting the two islands.
Swallows value open spaces. They can often be seen flying close to the water’s surface. Swallows also nest in rural areas with cow pastures and barns that they can fly inside.
The swallow can nest two times in a single summer; the chicks from the first brood learn to fly by Midsummer. Sometimes swallows can still have chicks in their nests as late as September.
Photo Helsinki City Material Bank, Saana Kemppi.