Swallows 2022

[Tim s]

Seen first one !

heard woodpeckers for a week

Have resident woodpeckers here. The male has a new trick this year and is hammering away on the metal cross member on the electric pole next to the house Some racket

 

[Humble Village Farmer]

At long last I have seen my first Swallows of the year on the farm. Very late for us here. Usually expect to see them about 10th April. So glad that at least some have made it.

Me too. I saw the first one on the farm yesterday for about 5 seconds. Much later than usual.

 

[Kidds]

A question for our NZ & AUS members: do you have swallows and martins down there, and if so, is the climate sufficient to keep them there without them migrating overseas?

I can't answer the migrating bit but I have seen lots of swallows in Australia, they have a lot more sparrows than I ever see here too.

 

[Kidds]

Have resident woodpeckers here. The male has a new trick this year and is hammering away on the metal cross member on the electric pole next to the house Some racket

Had one with a favourite trick of hammering on the tv aerial on the chimney stack. That made an enormous racket amplified down the chimney and through the log burner.

 

[Humble Village Farmer]

Saw another one this morning. I was thinking how long before they find the cattle as a source of flies? Of course that's a stupid question, they must seek out livestock all the time. Amazing to think that the same birds have been swirling round elephants, wildebeest and even lion kills.

Also heard a lesser whitethroat 3 days ago. Not heard a proper whitethroat yet though.

 

[The tortoise breeder]

I saw my first one in Wiltshire on 13th April what a lovely birthday surprise it made.
It's the 25th now and still only one which worries me as last year we had hardly any in our village.

 

[Greythundercloudys]

None here yet, abit late.

 

[Horseshoe watchers]

None here yet, abit late.

Still none on Horseshoe Pass

 

[Pan mixer]

Hardly any here yet, we used to get loads, we haven't changed to buildings or anything and the number of nests have declined from dozens to about 3 over the last 20 years or so.

Mind you, no insects here either, too blooming cold

 

[S J H]

Only seen 3 here, but they weren’t here til may last year.

 

[Fish]

I saw 3 yesterday, 25 Apr, which thinking back over the years is around normal. just godda see how many more turn up.

 

[dun tilling]

7am all quiet.
8am cacophony of song a bunch of twenty ish arrive in the yard.
Happy

NE Aberdeenshire

 

[Farmer_Joe]

Still nowt

 

[Danllan]

Just seen my first of the year here in Carmarthenshire, as always they bring an instant smile! They are wonderful, beautiful little birds.


Not really sure why, but family up North in Ceredigion always see them before us, perhaps they follow the coast around first, before coming in-land...

 

[organicguy]

Our main group have just arrived back, nearly two weeks after the first one. A lot missing from those we sent off. Two nests last year had 3 broods, not holding out much hope for the last broods.

 

[Bokey]

I've not seen one yet in the peak district getting late for em here

 

[Danllan]

I've not seen one yet in the peak district getting late for em here

I looked at last year's calendar earlier and, I think, they arrived here on April 8th or 9th last year - so they're turning up lat in a lot of places.

I know they can leave quite remarkably large amounts of sh!t behind them, but they are such beautiful and happy little things that they're always welcome here.

 

[Bucks Boy]

Swallows arrived back in brick building yesterday. Taking up residence in their usual nesting place.

 

[BRB John]

They''ve reached Aberdeenshire too.
Saw first two this morning. Didn't keep a note of when they arrived last year but I'd say they are at least a week late.

 

[Widgetone]

No swallows as yet in my patch. 2/3 weeks later than recent.
But very surprised to see a pair of Storks yesterday - never seem them over here before..