Does not a summer make.

[AndySpooner]

Today I saw a swallow flying round the meadow at the back of our house. I know it has been warm just now, but a swallow on the 29th March must be the earliest I've ever seen one here on the pennines.

Was this swallow the first sign of an early and good summer, or, is it just lost.

Anyone else seen any so far this year?

 

[Sugarplum Furry]

Yep, saw the first one at my yard (Somerset/Wilts border) this evening. Definately early, last year the first one here was 6th April.

It certainly gladdens the heart!!

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Hm. Grey and raining here, but I get the gist

 

[sonjafoers]

Oh dear I don't wish to spoil the mood but I was reading yesterday that the summer's going to be a washout. Supposed to be warm & sunny until June and then flash floods & thunderstorms which will wipe out the rest of the summer. Apparenty it's going to be wetter than the last 2 summers

As my YO says ' they can't forecast yesterdays ***** weather ' so not sure whether it's correct but let's hope not.

 

[Saucisson]

Two beetles blatantly 'avin it orrf in my flowers this morning and our first bumble bee of the year

 

[TJP]

We have had bumble bees but no swallows in the yard yet & it's grey and raining

 

[Honey08]

We're in the pennines too. The swallows have been here for a couple of days. Usually they arrive on the same day each year (two weeks early this year) and choose a fresh stable to nest in, while covering a horse with droppings!

We've had lots and lots of drowsy bumble bees this week too, but no randy beetles!

As for summer being a wash out from June onwards - that seems to be the norm. Great spring and early summer, then downpours, nice Oct/Nov, then snow! Wouldn't it be nice to know what was coming and for how long, weather wise!

 

[mcnaughty]

I saw a bloody huge mossi land on my horse tonight - does that count??

 

[cyberhorse]

Lots of bumbles and the first butterfly this week, just waiting for the swallows...

 

[ChesnutsRoasting]

No swallows yet in the south east. I had a nest in my donkey stable last year and am awaiting their return. No beetle fumbles spotted, plenty of Bumbles, lambs are gambolling and the mozzies are amok. Roll on summer.................

 

[0ldmare]

Yep, first swallows turned up here (kent) on monday. Lovely to see them!

I read that about the predicted miserable summer too, but refuse point blank to believe them. It was the bit where they said it won't be as good as the last 2 summers that got me What? Like they were so good??