The swallows are back.

[ablueclaret]

Last week saw the first swallow swooping over our garden in Wiltshire but yesterday saw the arrival of a larger group, summer has arrived!
Trees certainly very forward this year, the hawthorn already in flower and the Beech and Oak making a move, by the old adage that means a pretty wet summer but here at least it's got all the makings of a drought.

[derryclaret]

Saw some arriving yesterday up here in Derry.My pair nesting in the garage should hopefully be here next week.Always a great moment when they arrive.

[Longside4evr]

On their second clutch in South of Spain they arrive here from Africa some are residents if its a very mild winter and dont make the short journey over the water
They start pairing in February and have a nest sorted by just building on their old ones the most busiest birds their are along with Swifts House Martins and the Sand martins
They have up to 3 clutches here if they can get them in before the temperature rises up into the 40s as it just to hot for the adults to incubate the eggs
You should start seeing the screaming Swifts in about 4 weeks or five weeks time as they are just arriving on these shores for the last two weeks love these birds they bring the Summer and take it away again

[Pstotto]

Not seen any in Kent, nor any Yellowhammers, which are usually common round here. Seen one summer bird, a small warbler in a hedge, a brown one.

[Guller Bull]

Your best (no actually only good) thread of the year

I love swallows and am always excited by their arrival and saddened by their departure.

Saw my first pod of seven yesterday swooping and wheeling together in celebration of arriving. These were near the A75 between Annan and Dumfries

Our lot don't normally arrive till round about the 1st of May because they are laid back touristy types.

When you think of the millions and millions that fill our skies, why do we not see them arriving like a swarm with individuals dropping off
as they come in?

[claretdom]

Be that global warming, or maybe they were kicked out due to brexit

[ablueclaret]

These were definitely Brexiteers with very puffed our breasts and red faces.

[claretdom]

Heading for your allotment

[ablueclaret]

No I warned them about the drone, these lot wished to be very secretive.

[Pstotto]

Springwatch update: Just seen first Goldfinch sunning itself on tree across the road.

[Carnsmerry12]

The swallows are here in Cornwall, saw my first of the year a week ago at St.Winnow, a tiny hamlet on the south coast.

[ablueclaret]

Got a couple of goldcrests and garden warblers in our garden with intent to nest, and the barn owl in a neighbouring field is out early in the evenings gliddering for food.

[Sutton-Claret]

Great.....

That means they'll be nesting in my eaves and shatting all over my decking and outdoor furniture. Anybody have any ideas on how to keep them away??

[ThinLizzy]

I am quite happy to report Great Tits, Blackbirds, Wrens, Tree Sparrows all nesting in our bushes this year. I love all forms of wildlife and it is a lovely sight to see the swallows and swifts flitting across the morning skies.

[LeadBelly]

Not seen any swifts yet here in North Hampshire. I've never seen swallows here in the 17/18 years I've been here, but swifts come each year.
The numbers vary a lot, some years I see 50 ish flying around in the evening sunlight above my area, sometimes just a couple of dozen. I love to watch them "dog-fighting" around in the evening, it's a great sight.

[ThinLizzy]

Walking the dogs in our local park LeadBelly at about the crack of Dawn. We see the Swifts and Kestrels. Quite an experience all alone with nature as they dance through the skies and hover majestically.

[tim_noone]

Love to see the swallows arrive...havent see them yet!, and sad to see em go. On a plus put a bird box up that my grandson made recentley..and we have a tenant already!! Not sure as what yet.great tit blue tit or possibbly goldcrest.

[Tribesmen]

Saw some arriving yesterday up here in Derry.My pair nesting in the garage should hopefully be here next week.Always a great moment when they arrive.

Jezzzzzz Derry you are a batter man then myself as the Swallows drive me nuts as they " try " to nest in the eves of my house every year but the powerwasher has won so far over the last 10 years .
Anyway no sign of them yet in Galway but did spot an Eagle last night in the tress over a field close to us and that's the first time I have saw him / her this year , hummmm I wonder if it likes swallows

[lakedistrictclaret]

They're back up here.

We have a pair who usually breed in our back door porch. They do make a mess, but it's lovely to see them.

We have to be careful, though, to keep our dog indoors when they start fledging.

[tim_noone]

Jezzzzzz Derry you are a batter man then myself as the Swallows drive me nuts as they " try " to nest in the eves of my house every year but the powerwasher has won so far over the last 10 years .
Anyway no sign of them yet in Galway but did spot an Eagle last night in the tress over a field close to us and that's the first time I have saw him / her this year , hummmm I wonder if it likes swallows

Your blessed having flown all that way to your place your house. They keep the flys away!