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
WEST YORKSHIRE BIRDING. BRIAN SUMNER. I am based at Queensbury and bird a patch within a 10 mile range of home incorporating 16 stretches of water, several plantations, a belt of woodland, stretches of river and canal and good areas of moorland. I specialize in upland birds, reservoir and sky watching. My local patch is Fly Flatts reservoir. Any reports can be sent by text or call to 07771 705024 or see profile for e mail address. All images on this blog are copyright.(2025).