House Martin.

After many years, so long all traces of nest have disappeared we have again got a House Martin pair nesting.  This is particularly pleasing as they have declined by 16% since 2000 and in the worst affected areas 65%.

Currently they are feeding young and I suspect nearly ready to fledge.  The parents zip in halt at the nest although you have to be quick to realise there was a pause.  How the manage to spot and open mouth and push food in in such a short time I can't imagine.

As they are semi colonial nesters I am hoping that we will eventually get back to the 3 or 4 nests we had 10 years or so ago.  Only time will tell, we have had birds prospecting late in the season for a few years but no nest building.  I am hoping this years young come back "home" from where ever they go in Africa (believe it or not this isn't certain) to nest beside Mum & Dad next year.