Friday, March 19, 2010

Swallows passing through?


Have we acquired lodgers? These two swallows spent the afternoon flying in and out of the patio, twittering loudly and checking out the facilities. They seem to like the perch above the home-made bamboo wind chime and by dusk had settled in for the night.

The cats were mesmerised, both sitting side by side, looking up, not moving. When I grabbed my camera, they abandoned their vigil.

Now the thing is - are we to have lodgers for the summer, and babies, or are they just passing through, enjoying a rest before continuing their journey. Watch this space, as they say.

6 comments:

Beck Middleton said...

How lovely! When I was small we used to have house martens that built nests every year, your post brought back good memories! We have sparrows that nest in a hole in the the wall here every year, its fun watching their antics. xx

chaiselongue said...

They haven't arrived here yet! We have swifts nesting under the eaves around our little square and it always seems so quiet when they leave at the end of summer. They'll be back soon.

Jan said...

They haven't arrived here yet either! For the last two years we've had sparrows nesting up under the roof of the sun terrace, but last year we heard a big commotion in the night and then everything went quiet... maybe a snake or rat got the babies? We don't know, but there's no sign of any nesting here yet this year.

LadyLuz said...

Only one returned today and I'm now worrying about where the other has gone.....or maybe this is a new single having a rest.

Sue Swift said...

Exciting - swallow numbers have dropped so alarmingly recently, that it's always good to see them. Given where you are, they may well be just passing through on their way further north - I've not seen any migratory birds here yet, so a lot are clearly still travelling. Let's hope that eventually some do decide to stay with you. It's exactly the sort of corner they like for their nexts. Though if I were a swallow, I'm afraid the sight of the cats licking their lips might make me decide to choose a different wall for my babies ...

Sue Swift said...

That's nests ...