First Swallow

[Evelynmary]

Saw my first swallow this afternoon. We're on the Hants/Wilts border. Wondering how many have already been seen this year and how far north they have dared to go? This was a single bird passing through, I'm awaiting the first to feed and sit on the arena light posts.

The first pair last year arrived on 29 March.

 

[mattilda]

Wow that seems early. I am in Cheshire and we always have loads nesting on the yard. I love to see them even though they tend to poop on everything, including the horses! Haven't seen any here yet.

 

[flintmeg]

blooming heck!! is it that time of year already! our grass is only just thinking about coming through!

 

[MochaDun]

I felt honoured this evening...the first swallow arrived back on our yard about 5.30pm (north of Bristol), it flew into my side of the stables and perched for a while to dry out, poor thing was soaked as we'd been having heavy rain but so fantastic to know they're starting to return to breed - bit earlier than otehr years as usually been after 6th April and sometimes as late as the 13th. They really do make a summer!

 

[Janette]

Havn't seen any yet up here in West Yorkshire. Good to know they are on their way though

 

[MurphysMinder]

Don't think we've ever had them this early up here. Mind you if any did turn up at the moment they'd probably turn round and go back to warmer climes pretty quickly.

 

[abina]

Nope haven't seen any yet - we have loads of nests - good sign that they are on their way !!

 

[Ravenwood]

When I was little, I got a new pony and the day she arrived we saw the first swallow. We called her April Swallow for her show name

No signs of swallows here yet but every year I have heard the first cuckoo on April 17th - not long now!

 

[Nickijem]

I saw the first pair of the year yesterday! I am in Leicestershire.
It is the earliest I have seen swallows I think which is odd seeing as though this has been the coldest winter!

 

[Evelynmary]

When I was little, I got a new pony and the day she arrived we saw the first swallow. We called her April Swallow for her show name

No signs of swallows here yet but every year I have heard the first cuckoo on April 17th - not long now!

Oooo ... hadn't thought about the cuckoo.

We have a magpie problem, they raid the swallows nests. Anyone any idea how to thwart them? Thinking about making a guy with a gun and moving it around the yard. A few years back we had loads of successful families, last year I think we only saw two nests of young fledge. H E L P please.

 

[baily]

saw the first pair on monday so that was the 31st march record for us here(swindon)

 

[Ravenwood]

Oooo ... hadn't thought about the cuckoo.

We have a magpie problem, they raid the swallows nests. Anyone any idea how to thwart them? Thinking about making a guy with a gun and moving it around the yard. A few years back we had loads of successful families, last year I think we only saw two nests of young fledge. H E L P please.

Magpies are a bloody nuisance - you could try a larson trap or just shoot them!

We have a very healthy population of cuckoos in the season - they drive you mad in the end with their constant cuckooing!! LOL

 

[yethersgill]

None here in the Peak District yet! Need to check my diary to see when they arrived last year.

Did see the first bumblebee of the year last weekend though!