[Penninehillbilly]

I have a stable type door where I let the goats out, opened the top this morning, stood for just a moment looking out, slight flash as a swallow whizzed passed my head, inches from my ear, im used to them whizzing overhead, but not so low or close.
,They do have a regular access above a big door, but I suppose my door is a much bigger opening for them.

[Rupert the bear]

Phb, I'm the worst worrier, but some things are pointless to worry about.  What will be will be. Unless you ring the swallows you will never know which ones come back.  All you can do is to enjoy the ones that you can then wave goodbye when they leave and wish them goodspeed.  I tend to worry when they come back in spring, following the weather forecasts avidly. I think that comes from osprey watching (the female osprey at Loch Arkaig didn't return to her nest and mate last year  ).  I tend to imagine the ospreys and swallows travel together but of course they don't 
Enjoy the new hatchlings until they go 

Ooooh I dont know about that, the  red rumped swallows are quite unique , especially the females , as to the others , I'm sure there are some that stand out from the others especially those  upon arrival will  know where the mealworm pate is left !
Well I like to think so.
I think the bulk of ours will leave in the next three or four days, still a few younger ones still, especially "dopey" whose idea of getting a drink is to bellyflop in to the water !

[Anke]

Ours still swooping about, but not roosting in the goat shed anymore. At least I haven't seen them in their usual spots anymore. Thinking they will go within a week now... but I got my chimney swept yesterday, there is loads of firewood (though sadly had to be bought in) and I am looking forward to autumn and winter... I need a rest!

[Rupert the bear]

Just after breakfast ( 7am ) it just went quiet, they were off, I waited outside all day ,just a few young ones about.
This evening I did my usual walkround , There are 11 stragglers 3 adults and 8 juveniles left here.
I dont think they will stay long either.
Another summer over 

[Possum]

Ours started gathering a week ago and have nearly all gone now. Saw a couple yesterday but none on the morning walk today.


On the plus side, the winter starlings have started to arrive. Good to hear their cheerful chattering on the telephone wires.

[Backinwellies]

   
Swallows gone ...... S.A.D  arrives   

[Possum]

I've just been to see a friend near Warminster, Wiltshire and saw quite a few flying around. Perhaps they are from further north and en-route to Africa?

[Fleecewife]

I've just been to see a friend near Warminster, Wiltshire and saw quite a few flying around. Perhaps they are from further north and en-route to Africa?

Almost certainly.  It's like the ospreys from the North hang around reservoirs and lakes in the south of England stuffing themselves with fish before they launch out on their long migration.

Our last lonesome swallow left yesterday morning so it could include him 

[mab]

Well they're still here (west Wales) this evening - but it can't be long now .

[Anke]

Ours are gone... sometime last week...

[Penninehillbilly]

Our babies first outdoor flights yesterday, they normally spend a few days flying round inside the barn. Learning to balance on rafters, parents have got them outside quicker than normal.
Walking to barn yesterday there was a flutter and a young swallow landed on some wood just in front of me, waist height, I could have reached out and touched it, I hurriedly backed away, it flew up to barn roof, but we got the cat into the house, just in case..
Back in barn this morning, parents were feeding them on top of the big door. 4 youngsters all demanding brekkie 😊.

[Possum]

Saw quite a few flying over the wetlands this morning. Perhaps they are yours, Peninehillbilly?


In fact, there were masses of birds on the moor this morning. A flock of greenfinches, lots of goldfinches feeding on seed heads, reed buntings and a family of skylarks. Makes you glad to be alive! 

[Rupert the bear]

The last of the stragglers are away, I spent the morning with the wire broom removing the droppings from the steading, workshop, garage and tack room.
All the sweeping on to the composter.
All now just happy memories.
I hope I last long enough to see them return, I have left the nests where they are as many got reused this year.

[Penninehillbilly]

Well, looks like my little family has flown the nest, nothing Friday night, last night (Sat), there was something in the nest, (its very high up, under roof ridge) but nothing tonight.
Fly safely little ones.

[Fleecewife]

The last of the stragglers are away, I spent the morning with the wire broom removing the droppings from the steading, workshop, garage and tack room.
All the sweeping on to the composter.
All now just happy memories.
I hope I last long enough to see them return, I have left the nests where they are as many got reused this year.

We all hope you last long enough to see the swallows return too RtB. Stay safe