SWIFTS, SWALLOWS AND HOUSE MARTINS

[JooMoo]

A month later and I can report there are 3 baby swallows.
They're not house martins as I took my binoculars in to have a good look.

I have seen mum and dad feeding, but the angle meant I couldn't see the occupants, but today they were big enough that I could see their heads peeking over. And once a bum which proceeded to poop.

I only have one day left in work before being off for a fortnight, so I don't think I'm going to see them fly.
They seemed bobbly headed and it must have been snug up there as when one moved, the others had to move.

[Jacksparrow]

Yesterday the skies above my house were alive with dozens of Swifts swirling around screaming at one another. In previous years this has heralded their departure to southern climes. Today it is eerily quiet . I don't know for certain they have gone as they sometimes fly high and out of sight so I will keep a lookout for the next couple of days.
I have read elsewhere that they have been seen making an early departure but it is usually a week into August before mine go.

[Jacksparrow]

Plenty of Swifts around today. They were just hiding from me

[peregrine]

Can't say I have seen any Swifts for a couple of days. Bit early for them to have left. Will keep my eyes peeled.

[Jacksparrow]

Given the weather we're all having at present it would not surprise me if the Swifts upped and went. I did see a couple yesterday but not today.

[peregrine]

Still none around today. Looks like they have gone from here.

[Jacksparrow]

Swifts. Plenty of them around today. Flying high but still very audible.

[JooMoo]

Where I'm holidaying there are loads of swallows. I'm in a large house with a large garden and they love to fly just a foot or two off the ground.

Outside in the "courtyard", as you step out of the door, there's a "gardener's" toilet at 90 degrees to the back door. A swallow has made a nest above the door opening (it's left open). As I was about to step out, a swallow almost took my nose off as he was going into the toilet. I shrieked, he shrieked and we both reversed.
I stop, look, and listen everytime I go out that way now.

[Jacksparrow]

Still some Swifts about today.

[JooMoo]

Well I had a look and there's some gorgeous babies in there.