[Possum]

Looked out of the bedroom window this morning and saw a solitary swallow swooping over the rooftops   

Such a marvellous sight after all the dreadful weather we have been having.


We had our first nest last year so I must make sure that the garage doors are left open to encourage them to nest again.

[Fleecewife]

It's a wonderful sight isn't it     We saw our first swallow yesterday here in the South of Scotland, but it could have been ours, the neighbouring farm's or just one passing through and heading north.  One swallow might not make Summer, but it certainly makes Spring!
Oh and @Dan we don't have a swallow icon 

[Possum]

I think ours has gone north because we didn't see it yesterday or today. Although we did see one over the County Cricket ground on Friday.

[Penninehillbilly]

One was in the barn 2 nights ago. Hope it's partner turns up safe

[Rupert the bear]

I've hung on during my hibernation waiting and looking out of the window, they were early here last year, now we are entering the " looking to the sky " mode. 

[Rupert the bear]

They have arrived ! A pair of swallows this morning. Their sight and sound better than any medication, I am so pleased.

[arobwk]

Saw my 1st one in flight on 22 Apr near Tintagel. And then, while driving home, something smaller flashed by which I would guess was a Martin. 


(While double-checking House Martin arrivals Wikipedia advised that members of the "Swallow family" have even been seen in Antarctica !!!)

[philcaegrug]

Our pair have been back a couple of days. Hopefully better luck than last year when the magpie had their chicks.

[doganjo]

Saw a whole bunch of swallows at our Secure Dog Park on Saturday.  Hope they realise it's not summer in Central Scotland yet 

[sabrina]

We have none at the moment which is very late.

[Possum]

Two started investigating last year's nest last night so I'm hopeful for another brood this year.

[Fleecewife]

A couple of days ago I noticed we have House Martins building a nest just above our front door.  Surely this is a really late migration?
We haven't had martins for a couple of years.  The last nest was predated by rats (they climbed up the roses and honeysuckle which arches over the door) and the one before that was made during a drought so it fell down with tiny chicks in it which sadly died because of the fall.  Before that we had had successful nests.
So imagine how pleased we are with this new nest, which is almost certainly a new pair.  Yes there will be droppings right in front of the door where visitors stand, but nothing a shovel and broom won't sort 


We have only two pairs of swallows in spite of a good start, but the first nestful fledged the same day the martins arrived, so the skies were full of excitement.

[doganjo]

All I've got is a hedgeful and rhoddy full of spiugs!!!    - sparrows to you'se yins doon o'er the border 

[Fleecewife]

All I've got is a hedgeful and rhoddy full of spiugs!!!    - sparrows to you'se yins doon o'er the border 

   We have plenty of spiugs too, plus tree sparrows back to their prepandemic numbers.  In fact the humble spiug is suffering from dramatically reduced numbers due to changed farming practices, with little grain left lying.  So put on your rose tinted spectacles when you look at them and know you're doing good    Not the most melodious birds, but lovely and perky 

[chrismahon]

What we thought might be house martins, because they used to nest in the garage, have been identified as definitely swallows. The reason we can be definite is three flew inside the house yesterday and explored some of the rooms. Two were let out through a window and the other tried to exit via the French doors, which were closed at the time. The result was it knocked itself out on the glass, was picked up and taken outside where it recovered after a minute or so and flew off. Therefore we had the opportunity to have a good look at the feathering.


Not the first time we've had birds in the house, but they are usually blue tits (not including chickens).