Author Topic: First swallow arrived today (Read 8049 times)

DavidandCollette · « **Reply #30 on:** September 10, 2017, 11:33:02 am »

The eternal return. Crackling fires to look forward to

Louise Gaunt · « **Reply #31 on:** September 10, 2017, 12:02:49 pm »

We have three quite fluffy fledglings left, I think the rest have all set off on their long journey south. Considering how dark and wet it is here, I think I might join them!

Buttermilk · « **Reply #32 on:** September 10, 2017, 05:40:01 pm »

One nest of housemartins left here. They are getting attention from a sparrowhawk every evening so I do not fancy their chances once they leave home.

Fleecewife · « **Reply #33 on:** September 11, 2017, 12:01:40 am »

It's quite early for swallows to leave isn't it? Ours usually go around the middle of the month. They must be taking advantage of the Northerlies we've been having.
Ours have gone now too, except the newly fledged 4, and possibly their parents, which have all been zapping around madly in the stormy weather today.

Ghdp · « **Reply #34 on:** September 11, 2017, 01:44:45 pm »

Well I am still enjoying my little family. Third brood now look ready to fledge - and then I shall sadly shut the barn door for another winter. Is it right the adults fly off first? How do these tiny little birds do what they do! It is rather humbling isnt it.The wrens seem to cram into the emptied nests in the cold of the winter ( did not know they did that) but there are gaps above the door where they can get in an out. .i will miss the swallows but have written this years arrival date in the diary since as a newcomet to this dont know yet whether their arrival is early or late.

Penninehillbilly · « **Reply #35 on:** September 11, 2017, 02:34:34 pm »

Ours are still here, I wondered after seeing the leaving posts, but all in barn last night.
In some respects it will be nice to have the barn to myself again, if I put the big light on they start flying about, so have to cope with a string of LED lights over the feed area, and a smaller strip light over the goats so we don't light the top of roof space.
But will be sad to see them go.
Only 2 broods here, but happy with that. 2nd brood a bit earlier than last year, so not just as worried about THAT journey.

Rupert the bear · « **Reply #36 on:** September 11, 2017, 06:53:11 pm »

A most amazing thing this afternoon upon my return from work, I walked out to the pigs to feed them , going through the trees and into the clearing , I walked into a whirlwind of swallows ,its a sheltered spot and always rich with insects popular with our visitors , but there were certainly many times more birds than we normally have, strange thing there was not a peep out of them , got brushed against a few times, just an amazing and thrilling sight , I presume these are just passing through, the remaining fledglings are feeding in the yard, cheered me up a bit too.

Had a look around later on , only the 6 remainders sitting in the steading , no idea where the rest are

Ghdp · « **Reply #37 on:** September 12, 2017, 08:57:28 am »

First flight today. Saw the little family leave the barn this morning. Now all flying around full of life. Large gathering now forming here. Beautiful - but such a lump in my throat.

Rupert the bear · « **Reply #38 on:** April 22, 2018, 06:45:03 pm »

One day earlier than last year, I wobbled into the steading to be met by a couple of swallows sitting on the cctv cable, after a moment of staring at me they took off for a flight round the yard singing as they went, it's made my day and made me a lot happier, summer is on its way

Ghdp · « **Reply #39 on:** April 22, 2018, 11:36:19 pm »

Hi RTB. I saw our first returner on Friday but yesterday evening there were two on the wires outside the house. Both were twittering and flying in and out the barn tonight. Such a good sight.

Penninehillbilly · « **Reply #40 on:** April 23, 2018, 02:42:03 pm »

I thought ours were here about a week ago, but if it was them (just heard them in the barn when feeding up) , they've gone very quiet or moved on.

Fleecewife · « **Reply #41 on:** April 23, 2018, 04:36:40 pm »

Just heard our first one singing in the rain, but couldn't see it. Phew - I was beginning to think they were lost.

Black Sheep · « **Reply #42 on:** April 23, 2018, 05:27:12 pm »

Saw a returning pair briefly yesterday afternoon but as it is now drizzling I suspect they have retreated a little

Anke · « **Reply #43 on:** April 23, 2018, 05:29:23 pm »

Our first (the advance guard) arrived last Thursday and now we have quite a few in the goat house, fighting for the best best nesting sites... but it does lift your spirits when they arrive!