Summer would not be summer without Swallows, Swifts and House Martins, swooping low in search of flies, but when should you expect to see the first one in the British Isles?
The RSPB say that the first Swallows should arrive in March (they don't say if that is early or late) as they fly in from their southerly winter feeding grounds.
We have our first Swallow. She (and I am being presumption here) arrived alone in advance of the rest. I expect, if the last four years are accurate as a gauge, for the rest to join her by the end of March.
It is rather sad in a way because we are now living in the buildings that the Swallows have had free run over for over forty years - although we still tolerate them nesting in the cavé.
At dusk, I love to see the swallows swoop over the swimming pool and take a drink before retiring for the night.
One point of interest; in 2007 the first swallow didn't arrive until early April so perhaps there is something in the predictions that we are in for a hot summer?
3 swifts 2 swallows and 4 house martins seen over the last week in East Sussex. The martins today 27.5.18. So few, it’s really sad.
Posted by: Sandra Grantham | May 27, 2018 at 04:40 PM
Have just seen my first swallows this morning! Was beginning to think they were never going to arrive!Was checking the nests in our outbuildings yesterday and nothing and now they are swooping all over the yard! So happy they are back!😀😀
Posted by: Gillian Mellanby | May 30, 2018 at 08:57 AM
I saw a small group of swifts flying above Hoylake Wirral this week and they were having a good screech. Will keep my eyes peeled for more numbers fingers crossed.
Posted by: Claire Lyon | Jun 15, 2018 at 09:20 PM
We have lived in the New Forrest for almost 80 years, 47 in the same property near Ringwood where until recently we have always had nesting Martins. However last year they did not appear nor did we see any other Martins or Swallows all Summer. So far this year there have been none, there are the normal numbers of all the other birds in fact an increase in numbers of Blackbirds, finches and Sparrows. Strangely very few Starlings except at Mudeford Quayside competing with the Gulls for scraps left by the grockles.
Can nobody explain the non-showing of the Swallows and Martins?
Posted by: David | Jun 21, 2018 at 08:30 PM
quite a few swifts in Uttoxeter Staffs, no swallows though, at least none that I've seen
Posted by: John | Jun 22, 2018 at 06:15 PM
Near Skipton North Yorkshire only seen a couple of swells this year so far.
Posted by: Joan Bury | Jun 25, 2018 at 04:56 PM
Ours arrived a little later than usual and there are definitely fewer. But those here doing well.
Posted by: Sharon Attwell | Jul 15, 2018 at 08:55 AM
Swallow arrived in Millers Dale
Posted by: Martin | Apr 28, 2019 at 11:50 AM
Still no house martinis hilton Derby 6 empty nests ?? May 3
Posted by: John fryer | May 04, 2019 at 08:30 AM
Im quite concerned. My swallows always arrive before 6th May. Still no sign on 7th may and also no sign of any house martins or swifts in north northumberland
Posted by: Lynda Scott | May 07, 2019 at 11:27 PM
No swallows or swifts here in our South Somerset village. We had plenty last year, but none at all so far this year. I'm heartbroken.
Posted by: caroline Lewars | May 09, 2019 at 04:14 PM
We have swallows in the midlands about 7 seen so far in Wolverhampton
Posted by: Carmel | May 10, 2019 at 06:21 PM
I live in Southend on Sea, and every year I keep a loockout for swifts. Saw two tiday (31st May) for the first time.
I usually see them much earlier in May, and many more than just two birds.
Posted by: Peter Churchill | May 31, 2019 at 04:19 PM