Swallows

Glad we've no neighbours as I must have been quite a spectacle precariously balanced on a chair in the conservatory, in just a dressing gown this morning leaping round with a camera!

 After hearing a cry from Hubs that there were 2 swallows flying round the room I shot like a bullet downstairs and grabbed the camera. They must have got in through the back door and flown through and were unable to get out. Not too panicked just lazily circling and chatting to each other it was marvellous to watch.

We used to have loads of swallows nesting here: some under the garage eves, some in the breeze house and some in the stable opposite. I've only seen three so far this year here and not anywhere near our garden so thrilled doesn't come close to how  felt this morning seeing this pair.

In decline since 1970, with cold and rain during the breeding season reducing the flying insects they need. Changes in farming practises, adverse conditions in Europe and climatic changes in their African wintering grounds could all be factors influencing  their numbers. A very sad state of affairs as they are such graceful fliers, very sociable and beautiful to watch. I personally miss seeing them lining up the chicks to feed them all tweeting away on our roof, ducking whilst walking into the utility with a few circling round and seeing the babies grow exploring the area. We even went to bed one night and one had roosted on top of the wardrobe!

Hopefully they will breed successfully this year! Fingers crossed.