House Martins, Swallows & Swifts

I doubt there has been any insects in the sky around here for the last couple of weeks, it's just too cold and very windy, even at night.
I doubt many of these kinds of birds will have a decent breeding season around here unless things change .

 

I'm seeing some house Martins or possibly swallows this morning now the wind has dropped and the air is warmer.

 

22 April 2024 *update*

Saw my first House Martins yesterday (group of 6 feeding over the river) they arrived 4th April last year so definitely late this year (I live in South Wales)

any one else spotted any yet

Spruce

 

Last weekend I saw lots of sand martins over our local river and over the past week I’ve been seeing swallows flying around the village. Happily, for the first time today I’ve been watching a pair flying in and out of our carport where last year’s nest is. Such a wonderful moment when they return ​

 

A few Swallows arrived on the 6th April

 

where the bonfire ?

 

South west just over the water from you

 

2 house martins circling over the garden in the rain yesterday. No signs of swallows or swifts.

 

Too early for swallows here - usually around the first week of May or thereabouts. They nest along the road at the farm.
We don't tend to get house martins, but my sister has had them returning in the last couple of years - she's a bit further east than me. I'll ask her next time I speak to her to see if they're around.

 

We usually see our first swallows of the year in the Nordelph and Upwell area of West Norfolk (near the Old Bedford Rivee and the Great Ouse) , swooping low over Well Creek, when we visit MIL for her birthday … but that was this last weekend, and there was nary a sign of any.

 

6th April here for x3 Swallows, but they may have been flying over. Seen numerous House Matins and few more Swallows since - no swifts yet.

 

I never see any of these kind of birds until late May and they usually disappear by the end of August.

 

First Sand Martins and Swallows seen in late March, House Martins a week ago but although they are around I have not seen a Swift yet.
This newly arrived Swallow was settled on the wires at a local Horse Stud last week, I only went there as they had just opened a small cafe!

 

I was so happy last night as it was the first night this year that a swallow roosted in our nest in the carport. I was then ecstatic this morning when I saw quite a few pairs swooping around our drive and a pair flew into our porch and perched on last years ‘bat’ nest. They’ve been in and out all morning and this is a photo from my wildlife camera. Very, very happy

 

Goodnight Mr/s Swallow, head tucked under its wing and all comfy in the nest. I’m not sure if a pair are roosting in our porch as the camera only points at the nest, we put a roosting shelf above it which the male swallow may be perched on. As soon as it gets dark and the swallows are home for the night, we don’t use the front door as we don’t want to disturb them. I’m worried though that its mate hasn’t returned yet, hopefully there’s still time.