This morning Stuart and I were out in the garden trying to get everything done before we go away on holiday. I looked up and there just above my head was the first Swift of the summer. Quite a good date have seen it much later in the month before they arrive up here. They are with us for such a short time, arrive the beginning of May have a busy summer breeding and rearing their young and are away again from my part of Scotland by the first week in August You are fortunate further south Sifts will stay well into September. I love watching them, they fly in formation like fighter planes. I get a great view of them from our lounge window and from the garden. Where I stay they are our most common Hirundine. We had our first House Martin on the 1st of May so that is all of that group of birds in now so we can say its summer ha ha. You know the saying 'One Swallow does not a summer make'.
For my records:- Swallow .....6th April
Sand Martin.....10th April.
House Martin......1st May
Swift.....3rd May. 2006.
Thank you for reading my Bird watching tales. Love
Joan.
That is a great picture ~ I love your bird watching journal ~ always look forward to knowing what birds you have seen ~ they say we are in for a mini heatwave here in Norfolk so hope it lasts for your holiday ~ Ally
ReplyDeleteNice to hear what you get up to!
ReplyDeleteAileen...X
Hi Joan, what a great photo of such a beautiful bird. I saw several swallows flying together yesterday for the first time this year, but I`ve not seen a swift as yet. :o)
ReplyDeleteSandra xxxxx
Hi Joan, Thats one lovely photo. I saw my first swallow here in Lancashire 2 weeks ago, slighly earlier than last year.
ReplyDeleteCathy.
Hi there Joan, at last, I have been able to have time to view your jounal.
ReplyDeleteThe Swifts, as they hawk around, are fantastic and I too never tire of watching them.
Only a couple of houses away from the house we now live in, Swifts have taken up residency and are already building their nests. Isnt it wonderful?
By for now,
John.
Your swallow arrived on my birthday Joan. Love watching our little residents nestbuilding, collecting worms. etc, but the best part is watching all the little fledgelings. A lovely time of the year. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSylvia xx