Author Topic: Swallow numbers down ? (Read 13230 times)

Rupert the bear · « **on:** May 08, 2018, 09:51:58 pm »

I've just come indoors having spent the evening outside, its calm and warmish and the insects are out. In previous years these sort of conditions would see 10's of swallows flying, this evening I only counted 6 in flight and just before I came in checked the steading 4 and 2 in the garage roosting for the night.
Has anyone else noticed reduced numbers this year ?

Perris · « **Reply #1 on:** May 08, 2018, 10:03:00 pm »

our housemartins have not arrived; they've come for >20 years; 3 pairs last year. No sign of them as yet this year.

Terry T · « **Reply #2 on:** May 09, 2018, 06:52:12 am »

I ageee there are fewer swallows this year. I aaw the first one herr in Norfolk a dew weeks ago and we’re still only gettting the odd one. V few martins as well and no swifts yet.

Backinwellies · « **Reply #3 on:** May 09, 2018, 10:30:05 am »

Just very late I think ... first house Martins arrived 2 days ago.

Rupert the bear · « **Reply #4 on:** September 03, 2018, 09:21:35 pm »

Well this evening I was checking the livestock and have noticed the majority of our swallows have departed during the day , about a week earlier than normal . All that is left are the last 2 remaining clutches and the parents, summers coming to an end.

Fleecewife · « **Reply #5 on:** September 03, 2018, 10:36:33 pm »

Yes ours went a couple of days ago, the best part of a fortnight early. They had been collecting on our house roof like a long row of mini penguins, then the skies went silent, apart from a single bird which is still here.

Backinwellies · « **Reply #6 on:** September 04, 2018, 08:03:06 am »

Ours are still here but not for long I expect ..... They may go earlier than usual but have all fledged two batches I think ...... Usually at beginning of September I am worried that the last brood will be abandoned.

Penninehillbilly · « **Reply #7 on:** September 04, 2018, 11:11:21 am »

Our 2nd lot are out and about, seemed early, despite a late start in spring, haven't seen them yet this morning though........

Rupert the bear · « **Reply #8 on:** September 05, 2018, 08:02:29 pm »

I spent some time lying down in the sun ( just to make sure it was still shining ) all we have left is 10 birds in total in flight, sadly there is a nest high up in the roof of the steading with a nest of 4 unfledged chicks , they are getting fed by the others, I fear these may not fledge in time

, keeping a aye on then though.

Steph Hen · « **Reply #9 on:** September 05, 2018, 10:01:35 pm »

Our last lot fledged yesterday. One crashed so I put it up high for another go. Numbers were low to start but they've had a good breeding season.

Fleecewife · « **Reply #10 on:** September 06, 2018, 12:33:20 am »

Quote from: Rupert the bear on September 05, 2018, 08:02:29 pm

I spent some time lying down in the sun ( just to make sure it was still shining ) all we have left is 10 birds in total in flight, sadly there is a nest high up in the roof of the steading with a nest of 4 unfledged chicks , they are getting fed by the others, I fear these may not fledge in time , keeping a aye on then though.

In the past when we have had late nests, the parents have stayed on into September to feed the young until they have fledged, then they leave. The young ones leave after a couple more weeks, though I have no idea if they have the strength to migrate the whole way.

Here, although ours went a few days ago, leaving only a couple of young birds, another 20 or so have appeared. I'm thinking they have come down from further north and will go south once they are all ready. It's still a week or so earlier than they usually leave, so they'll be OK.

Maysie · « **Reply #11 on:** September 06, 2018, 11:52:19 am »

I think the majority of ours left yesterday.

They are a bit of a pain when they are here, as we often find them in the house and have to help them get back out of the windows, but I absolutely love having them around. The way the duck and dive around us in the cartlodge is really very impressive.

Looking forward to clearing all the mess off my workshop clober now though, as they aren't the cleanest of beasties!