I don't think there's a thread started for 2024.
I've just heard of the first sighting of a swallow in the Midlands.
It's getting to that time of year, when those hirundinidaes, or for the less educated like me, swifts, swallows, house and sand martins are returning to the UK to breed. We've read and heard the stories where the nesting sites have been blocked, off with netting etc, here we can share the happier moments of these birds in their majesty.
They can be tricky to photograph in flight, fast, darting around, up-down. flying around (for those wondering, the words came from the opening theme to Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines film, where a group of wouldbe aviators flew from London to Paris in around 25 hours during the VERY early days of flying, theme tune HERE),.
Why not have a go, so I'll start the 2024 thread off with, very much a case of grab the camera and shoot photos.
The link to last years thread Swifts, Swallows & Martins, share your photos and videos here 2023, and many thanks to Linda for kickstarting last years thread, for those who want to look back at the many photos shared, and all were good and most welcome to view.
Swifts, Swallows & Martins, share your photos and videos here 2023
This photo is from 9th September 2023, the days when we has lots of sun! Praying for a return of the sun, soon....
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
I'm guessing the local swift chicks have fledged,due to the sudden increase in number flying overhead. It won't be long before they start to fly south
Isn't it very late for House Martins to suddenly be showing interest in nests that have been used for at least 3 previous years? There suddenly seem a lot more in the air, and there had been no interest (that I had noticed) in the nests until yesterday?
Still time PB. Could be ones that failed elsewhere and are looking for alternatives for a second attempt. Could also be young birds exploring. Two cups here not yet used this year (apart from by a sparrow) have been investigated this week.
Cheers robbo was a bit concerned. in that case
Hi. Unsure how to post so just replied to your last. Took this from an abandoned hide that Swallows are still nesting in. Thios one was waiting for us to exit before coming in
Superb shots.
Thanks - it was very lucky - we were just leaving amd this birdie was looking at us as if to say "are you going now? I have work to do"
PimperneBloke said:Isn't it very late for House Martins to suddenly be showing interest in nests that have been used for at least 3 previous years? There suddenly seem a lot more in the air, and there had been no interest (that I had noticed) in the nests until yesterday?
A lot will depend on whereabouts in the UK the nest is located, along with the climatic conditions at the time. 2022 saw swallows here having a late third brood and while in Cornwall Sept 2022, there was housemartin chicks enjoying the later summer weather at pendennis Castle, Falmouth.
See my Cornwall Holiday Wildlife post for Sept 2022.
Also in my
Nice close ups
Great shots.