Just caught a glimpse of two forked-tailed birds flying very close together just above the roof-line of the tenements in Marchmont, framed against a clear blue sky a few hours before sunset. It was an exceptionally bright and warm day after a fairly protracted cold spell. There were very many flying insects about generally on the byways and cycle paths on my way home.
I'm nearly sure they were dark all over, with no obvious paler coloration, and light and gliding in flight. I don't have much experience of spotting similar birds, so would welcome any comments. Thank you.
I've been watching these birds over the past few days. It has been brilliant.
I managed to get a couple of photos of them in flight, They were very high up, flying fast and against a bright sky, and it wasn't easy at all! (Any tips welcome!)I'm more sure than ever they are swifts. There were about half a dozen of them from my vantage point (near the Meadows).
A friend of mine just outside Glasgow has reported his first swift sighting, so its very feasible.