A customer rang me today from Wilsden asking why, this summer, had he been over run with House Martins yet had very few Swallows. All the usual Swallow breeding sites were mostly left unused but its been the best year that he can remember for both breeding and feeding House Martins.
Around Queensbury this story is reversed with no shortage of Swallows but a noticeable absence of House Martins. Nests that have been used year after year have been left empty this season and I think I have only seen a handful of birds all summer.
Nothing doing up here in the gods today with a howling wind and heavy rain and drizzle none stop.
BS
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
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2 comments:
A real shortage of House Martins this year Bri. Swallows everywhere, and had a fantastic breeding season locally with loads of juvs about. Glad there are some martins around somewhere!
Similar over here as well Dave. My colony usually c 12 pairs this year has one possibly 2 and very late to arrive at that. I would also believe that first brood failed, as no juvs seen yet. Sorry to hear about your relative Bri but good to read your reports again....
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