Anyone spotted a

Swallow or House Martin yet, ive not seen them in Notts , but read they have been spotted up North .
I like to see these birds return means the weather is getting better

Re: Anyone spotted a

I saw 2 swallows yesterday, they usually nest in my barn.

Re: Anyone spotted a

lucky you Twink , ive read they return year in and year out to the same place .

Re: Anyone spotted a

Not yet, all I have seen and heard is Chiffchaffs. A Facebook friend in Somerset has seen Swallows though.

Re: Anyone spotted a

That must be true because I have had swallows nesting in my barn for more than 30 years. If you look up at the nest you can see the babies shouting their mum for food. One year I had 3 nests in the barn, but it is usually only one or two.
If they feel threatened by my cats the parents swoop down and try to peck the cats heads..... but my cats are too slow to stop a swallow.

Re: Anyone spotted a

They dont normally come to us until May but when they arrive we are vey happy to see them.

Re: Anyone spotted a

Yes i saw my first swallows yesterday but they have been back a few weeks,, Sandmartins were back even earlier in Northumberland. Yet to see a Hosemartin, and Swifts are always last to appear.

Re: Anyone spotted a

I don't think I have seen a House Martin in forty years. Certainly none around here at the moment. When I was young, my Granddad had a House Martin's nest in the eaves and I used to watch them. They became my favourite bird at the time. Lovely little birds with an odd flying style.

Re: Anyone spotted a

I was thinking I'm not sure I've ever seen any other than on tv. How sads that

Re: Anyone spotted a

That is very sad Julie I think you should get out in the Countryside more .

Perhaps you don,t recognise them flying , I use to watch them above the fields flitting about catching insects on the wing .
Their deep fork tails are easy to spot ,.

Heres a link to help you identify, it will keep you and Grace busy this summer at your weekend Caravan.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/22527420