One Swallow...

[Jeanied]

One Swallow doesn't make a Summer...
- or so the saying goes.

I saw my first one today, driving home just before 6pm. The little thing was darting about feeding on the wing - temperature 12c - and this was just before the low clouds rolled in and the heavens opened. I bet it regrets being here now.

Come on Spring - overdue here .

[ginger ninger]

There not up here yet, but I'm hoping they'll not be long. I love watching them on a warm evening, with a glass of something refreshing to drink...me not the swallows.

[Headfry]

Wow lucky you, we have none yet - last year my first was round about 12th April! It will be interesting to see when they get here this year! I love the return of the swallows but mourn their leaving.
I can't wait to see them back - squealing over head, those and the Sky larks make the sound of summer for me.

[rustylady]

Are you absolutely sure it was a swallow, not a swift? Swallows have longer tail feathers and tend to arrive later.

[Nicos]

My OH has just phoned me to say there are loads flying above his office !!!

( I'd better go and open up my barn mesh windows!!)

Swallow.....

http://www.birdforum.net/opus/images...rn_Swallow.jpg

Swift......

[Nicos]

swallow....

[IMG]http://www.birdforum.net/opus/images...rn_Swallow.jpg[/IMG]

oops- won't come up!

but they are pretty similar aren't they???


Here's a quick definition for those of us who get confused....

quote...."If it's got red cheeks, white belly and a long forked tail, it's a swallow. If it's all dark, with a short forked tail, it's a swift."

Hope that helps??

[Apple Betty]

One swalow here too - first noticed it on Wednesday.

[Jeanied]

I'm pretty sure it was a swallow - probably an early precursor - and I bet it regretted that - it suddenly got very cold after that. Mind you today with all the talk of bats - spring is well and truly on its way.

[Paulottie]

...usually there are loads of 'martlets' (as I think they are traditionally known in Sussex) feeding on the cricket pitch...didn't see any yet while I was mowing....should be soon though.

Infact I think martlets are swifts(also have shorter legs).....what is the difference in migration patterns between swifts and swallows then?

[Jeanied]

You can hear the swifts even if you can't see them - that's how I know they are there and look up - they make a continuous wheeee as they fly - almost in exultation. And they spend most of their lives on the wing.
Swallows make a twittering sound more.
House martins - well, I'm not sure about them! Maybe those are your martlets.

[Nicos]

We've had a few flying round here but they don't seem to have gone into the barn.

I'm just wondering if the electric fence is putting them off- it's about 3ft from the window....maybe they can pick up the 'vibes'

[Paulottie]

Nah...House martin is part of swallow family unlike swifts!

[FB.]

I was out doing some cross-country cycling yesterday and saw the first ducklings and the first butterflies.
....and my fruit trees are almost ready to open flower buds.
....and some of my strawberries ("Christine" I think, but might be "Alice") are also just about to open their flowers.

Now all we need, is a late frost.

[Flummery]

We saw several swallows (really, Himself is a bird watcher) and sand martins a couple of days ago. They were swooping along the river.

[Paulottie]

We saw several swallows (really, Himself is a bird watcher) and sand martins a couple of days ago. They were swooping along the river.

Come on then Flum, please could you ask himself if there is any difference in migration habits or timings between swifts and swallows?