We had a late swallow nest built in our carport this summer, which produced three fledglings. The parents and one fledgling have now gone, leaving two behind. They can fly well and disappear for the day, but return each night to roost near the nest. We are concerned that these two have missed the migration and will not survive the winter. Are we right to be concerned and if so, is there anything that can be done to help them?
Not too late yet, apparently there was a big outgoing south from Portland Bill and also Poole yesterday
Thank you. We’re in Hampshire, so will continue to watch the skies. We had around 50 to 80 fly over a couple of weeks ago, which I believe the parents and one fledgling joined. Not sure why these two stayed behind as they were all flying by that point.
I have two young swallows roosting here tonight in East Yorkshire, where it's been raining and blowing a gale all day. They were a late brood too. I keep hoping they'll head south. There are still a lot of insects about but it's getting colder. They have a long way to go and I can't help worrying.
Hi
plenty of Swallows passing over my house in Norfolk most days ATM- October is not too late - usually swallows still moving til mid month- certainly plenty of insects here
S
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Thanks for that.
An update on the two we have - there is now just one. We’re hoping the other has joined a migrating group, but the last one did look a bit forlorn, all alone in the carport last night. Hopefully s/he will find another migrating group soon.
I am up in the very far north, at the top of Scofland, swallows still here yesterday. Hopefully, your last one will find company and migrate okay.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Thank you. Yes, hopefully all will be well.
I am still seeing swallows and I live in Somerset. Is it normal to see swallows at the end September? What factors influence their decision to migrate south? Are the swallows we are seeing now younger birds who are developing their flight muscles before making such a long journey?
They will 'stage' down a bit like us doing long drives - passage migrants are still coming through the Islands - not in huge numbers- they will rest up and feed for a day maybe more if the weather is really unhelpful like today, before moving on down to the south. Yesterdays count for swallows was around 100 whereas the count back on 15th was +3000 (in an hour)
Cin J