The sun is shining and there is a definite feel of spring in the air. Although many of our winter visitors are still here it will not be long before they depart and our skies will be full of returning summer visitors. There have been a few reports of some trailblazers making shore already!
The question is which of our returning summer visitors are you most looking forward to having back?
I've given you a list of various species that will soon be gracing our skies so please tell us about which one you are looking forward to seeing and why, and if you do see it, tell us where and when (submit the sighting to Birdtrack too!)
I know there are lots more birds heading our way than I have added in the list, if you feel that i should have included another one we would be happy to hear about it! Of course if you get any pictures of migrant birds we would love to see them!
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
How am I meant to choose between swift and nightjar.....
Should be able to vote for more than one
It's both what you do and the way that you do it!
You cannot fly like an eagle with the wings of a wren. William Henry Hudson (1841 - 1922)
Hard choice to make i agree!!!
We don't have the technology to allow for more than one selection i'm afraid!
Go on then :)
I've gone for swift, as they nested two doors down last year, so I've put a box out for them this year :)
So if they use the box or not, I eill see them more than the Nightjars ( although I only have to walk to the other end of the village to watch these too)
I voted for the swallow, simply because they grace the air above my garden and feed down by our bit of the river, so I see them all the time and do miss them when they go. Their colours are beautiful, and their dives are wonderful to watch.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
I went for hobby but would have liked to tick blackcap because they are in the valley next to me.
Hobby is spectacular and got good close views at Minsmere last year. Migration time does result in groups of 20 to 30 hobby at a time in the Cotswold Water Park so I had to get the plug in.
The Cotswold Water park sightings website
My Flicker page
I went for swift as sitting in a beer garden with a nice pint on a sunny day with the swifts screaming overhead makes my summer!
I'm not bald. I've just got ingrowing hair!
I went for House Martin, as they nest all around the area where I live, which I only discovered last year!! Hopefully they will decide to nest quite close to me this year :)
Home again, home again.
Check it: http://sarahwestsblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Voted for Swallow. I have to admit as soon as it gets to March I am constantly watching and listening for their return.They arrived at my house last year on March 26th - it never fails to bring tears to my eyes that first sighting.It wasn't a successful breeding season last year at my house so I'm hoping for better things this year.
Looking forward to Swifts as well as I now have two Swift boxes under the eaves.
CJ
Hi Ian
After a hard thunk, I've voted for House Martin. They used to nest in the eaves of the house I grew up in and a lasting memory is of seeing them swooping low over the lawn on balmy summer evenings.
A nice poll for us. Thank you :))
Pip
The Swallow suits us and Dave stated that they are his favourite bird
I am full of admiration for them and they do have hectic lives
Though all of the birds on your list appeal too for lots of reasons too!
Regards
Kathy and Dave