Our First Swallows

[nepia]

I think the insect shortage is the bigger issue.  Every other house around here has a Sussex barn for parking the Chelsea tractors so there's no shortage of nesting opportunity; very few swallows though.

Interference with migration routes will be a major player also I'd guess

[Baldbloke]

First arrived this evening.

We’re nearer Keith and saw two on the 28th April, but unfortunately not been seeing them since as been on night shifts since.
One of our much needing repaired steadings used to be a favourite for dozens of pairs of swallows but last year just hosted a few pairs. They seem to be getting later in returning each year, and they’re definitely in decline.

[Baldbloke]

The two swallows I briefly saw on the 28th April are the only ones I’ve seen. Normally we see them from the 24th of April or maybe a couple of days later, but this year (up to the 4th May) they’ve been absent apart from that brief sighting.

 

 

[Stere]

Some data on swallow pops seem more variable than I thought it was as had read before thay had being in decline since 1970's

 

 

Species | BTO - British Trust for Ornithology

APP.BTO.ORG

 

Steep decline in last 10yrs though

 

Edited May 4, 2022 by Stere

[woody paul]

Just seen a pair at local stable yard. 

[Bob_z_l]

Ours came back last Thursday.  Feels like summer is almost here. 

[spuddog0507]

Seen 4 down at the yard on Thursday, then 2 at a small holding up in the hills of Friday,,

[Billhook]

Here in Lincolnshire the first one today sheltering from a cold North East wind, probably wondering why he left the South African sunshine!

[AJStrees]

Haven't seen any yet, that is not to say they haven't arrived, but just not seen any so far. 👍

[difflock]

Saw ours, when? A few days ago, Monday was it?