Swallows 2018

[Cowgirl]

Saw first ones today, being blown about trying to fly in the wind and rain
(Ayrshire)

 

[Wendy10]

I haven't seen any since the first 2 yesterday. If they were the scouts I shouldn't think we will see any more! Blowing a gale and rain last night, not a deal better today.

 

[traineefarmer]

I saw one yesterday while spreading nitrogen on quite an exposed field. Normally we see them first in the yard zooming round outside the cattle sheds.

 

[Gator]

First one arrived here 8th April

 

[naga]

Saw first one here in AB41 area this morning welcomeback

 

[penntor]

Finally arrived yesterday, saw about 7 in a field when feeding cows. About 5 days later than normal.

 

[4course]

been and gone, a few here last week none around now

 

[Sonoftheheir]

Jus seen the first one! Wants to build its nest in a shed I want to keep shut atm

 

[A Sales representative]

Still haven’t seen any in Devon

 

[MrNoo]

Saw my first swift of the year today, swallows been here circa 3 weeks now and numbers are steadily building.

 

[Paddington]

First one arrived a week ago, but none nesting yet.

 

[Still Farming]

Just seen them today ?
Thought they had changed their minds this year !

 

[uztrac]

Two weeks on and still nothing sighted ,sparrows have commenced nest building in the past couple of days.

Still not arrived around here,cant say that I blame them cold & wet and zero insects.Near to Brancaster a cuckoo was seen and heard in the spinney as per 2017.

 

[thatlldaespot]

We have three pairs now (Welsh borders) - they arrived about a week later than normal. Last year to my great joy we had a few pairs of house martins too, the first to come here for about ten years. I was so looking forward to seeing them again this year (love to hear them chattering away just outside my bedroom window!) - but not a sign of them so far.

 

[4course]

just been round to check stock and a couple are back going in and out of the same building that the last few that came and went a week or so ago were using , -- Is it the same ones that have decided the grass isnt greener elswhere or new ones just checking us out,but whatever its grand to see them. Ive had a swedish guy or at least that s what his name sounds like round and the difference in the amount of twittering is truly amazing

 

[Lazy Sod]

Here we are, the 4th of May and I haven't seen a single swallow, let alone a house martin, although Mrs LS has seen a few passing through. She has just come home in the car and said that there is a swallow on the telephone line about 100 yards from the house.
Our first local one. I'll be happier when we have them in the stables again, and house martins at the front of the house. I imagine bad weather, and therefore a lack of insects has held them back.

 

[4course]

glad to report ours are back again, this time flying in and out of sheds and circling over the muck hill catching insects. looks like they might be stopping

 

[trook135]

Just spotted my first few this morning swooping about in a puddle[emoji5]

 

[Sonoftheheir]

Jus seen the first one! Wants to build its nest in a shed I want to keep shut atm

They’ve disappeared Hell of a lot of flying insects about today, hopefully they’ll be back ASAP.

 

[glow worm]

Huge drop in swallow numbers here and in district. We only have 3 , pairs, whereas we usually have big flock of them acting as sky police warning against pair of sparrowhawks. Now only see a couple swooping around early am / late pm. Farmer 3 miles away reports none at all in their area where usually plenty. Any ideas? Did beast from the east disrupt their migration or something more sinister?