Swallows

[A_T]

Still no sign of any in my part of the world - usually they're here around the 12th/13th. The north wind must be holding them back.

[Padfield]

Is it possible they might dally on their journey because of the increasing lack of insects as they fly north? These cold springs are grim for nesting insectivorous birds as they find it very difficult to get enough food for their young. A few years ago, when we had a particularly grey May here in Switzerland, many birds started kicking young out of their nests. If I were a swallow I might be inclined to hang around further south right now, where I could at least feed up a bit for the breeding season.

Guy

[Reverdin]

I saw one 15th April over our house in N Yorks, travelling north.

[Lee Hurrell]

Just the one seen (by me) in Kent, last weekend, although I have seen a few other reports.

Lee

[David M]

Have to say I've not seen any yet (though that's hardly surprising given the filth the weather has served up in S. Wales so far this month).

[Reverdin]

Sand Martins have appeared today... but no more Swallows than the first one last week

[essexbuzzard]

I certainly think our migrants are late this year-this has as much to do with the weather they encounter on their journey accross europe as it does with our weather.I saw my first two yesterday,and a few more today,flying north.

[NickMorgan]

I saw one near the coast at the end of March - very early. I haven't seen one since, though!

[NickMorgan]

I saw one near the coast at the end of March - very early. I haven't seen one since, though!

... a few more around now along with a house martin.

[essexbuzzard]

A few have arrived on my local farm now,but goodess knows how they are finding any thing to eat as, within a week of May, it is still colder and wetter than is was in January,in the south at least-and has been all month.