Swallows Return?

[Dr S]

Anyone seen one yet?
I'm no twitcher but my old man cave had a nesting pair that I got to know well. They became used to all the coming and goings, banging and crashing of a busy workshop. I became quite fond of them. I loved watching them flying low over the fields catching insects.
Now these chaps used to arrive between the 14th and 17th April every year. It's a six week flight from South Africa for the Swallows so by my calculations they should be seen now over France or maybe a few along the south coast by now due to the southerly winds we have had this week. It's always nice to see them as you know that summer is really on it's way.
Could you guys keep an eye out over the next few days and let me know when you see one?

Cheers
Si

 

[orange71]

Could you guys keep an eye out over the next few days and let me know when you see one?

how will we know it's your one? I'll keep my eyes peeled.

 

[P20]

There used to be a pair nesting in one of our stations garages. As soon as they heard a vehicle fire up they'd start circling round, soon as the door lifted by a few inches they were out. They also knew how long the auto door was open for so they could get back in to feed the chicks. Fabulous creatures, fascinating to watch. They were known as 'the bairns'

 

[Dr S]

Could you guys keep an eye out over the next few days and let me know when you see one?

how will we know it's your one? I'll keep my eyes peeled.

Oh, you won't see any of mine. Like I say, I got quite fond of them- devilishly tasty served in a tortilla with a crisp salad.

Si

 

[greenfinger]

I used to love watching them at the golf course I worked at, they'd fly so low and close by for the insects when I was cutting the fairways. Nice way to pass time when working it was i'll keep you informed when I see the first ones here

 

[gibbleking]

they would fly in and out of my living room window playing....i lived on the 3 rd floor in the attic flat ....would get very close to them....every year they would do this ...sadly i moved when the landlord sold up )at crimbo time of all times) so i dont see them any more.... :cry:

 

[legrandefromage]

The Dolphin Hotel, St Ives, Huntingdon - April 01 this year - swallows already nesting under the causeway

 

[REKIBorter]

We get House Martins nesting under our eaves. No sign of them yet but always a sign that summer is on it's way.

 

[doctor-bond]

No sign yet - but mid april is normal hereabouts too. As I get on a bit, I get a real kick out of these almanack moments.

The Swifts are my favourite - last to arrive, first to go - nest in my shambolic roof and are so compelling to watch.

Once rescued one that had lost it's way down the chimney into a [cold] wood burner. So light [titanium bones, carbon pinions?] and took to the air like it was doing me a favour.

Last year was the first time we didn't hear a cuckoo though ......

 

[ferrus]

Swifts are my favorites too. At the risk [well, certainty] of sounding naff, their flying skills are just awesome; impossible maneuvers worthy of confounding any UFO geek. They seem to delight in the pleasure of flying for it's own sake.