... was a greatest hits album by?
We’re very fortunate to have swallows, swifts and house martins dashing about in the skies above Allithwaite.
When we lived at Holker, we had nesting swallows in the garden shed and they successfully reared several chicks. When I was picture framing at Rayrigg, swallows and swifts were always about and the swallows would often fly into my workshop when the door was open on hot summer days.
It was a nice surprise to discover this week, that we have a pair of swallows who want to stay with us for their summer holidays here at Ash House! They’ve set up camp under our front door porch.... let’s hope it’s a summer romance and they build a nest?
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| Ash House swallow May 2015 |
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| Our own personal bird hide! |
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| Holker swallow May 2011 |
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| Five young swallows (one in the nest) ready to take to the wing for the first time |
excellent!..so lucky to have swallows and chicks too!...we went to scilly isles a few years ago with an expert bird watcher...whilst he was trying to show us some red tailed swallows in the distance I noticed a wryneck nearby( I didn't realise what it was it looks like a lizard..a type of wood pecker)..anyway he got all excited but it flew off before the other people could see ..they were very disappointed that I hadn't told them as soon as I saw it!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to google a wryneck Rob, after this! Curious. We have typical garden birds but occasionally have seen a buzzard overhead, often being bombarded by crows! Laura gets finches in her garden (red on top of head and yellow streak on their wings) I remember 'Burleydam garden centre having swallows nesting above the entrance to their store with a big notice for customers to be aware of any 'debris' being dropped on their heads as the walked in! So beware, you two!
ReplyDeleteIncidentally Dave, when you say you have a pair of swallows possibly setting up home at Ash House....you absolutely sure that they're not HOUSEMARTINS!!!!!! ;) ;) x
I've just had to look up wrynecks too! See what you mean about looking like a lizard Rob. I think Laura's finches are goldfinches Anne. We only see them now & then and it always seems to be a treat when we do.... a very colourful little bird.
ReplyDeleteYes, you're right Anne, if they do nest then poo will be a problem!? And yes to The Housemartins! :-)
goldfinches really nice looking birds ..buzzards and kestrels on the increase...still good to see them...
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