Kitchen Garden Forum

Hi everyone,

By my book the Swallows are late this year anyone sighted any this has to be the latest they have ever been

Regards

Arnie

I saw the first swallows in our village yesterday which is in line with previous years' arrival dates in the same place. In case anybody is interested, these are for the last ten years:
2003 5.4.
2004 11.4.
2005 11.4.
2006 18.4.
2007 11.4.
2008 10.4.
2009 10.4.
2010 10.4.
2011 23.4.
2012 20.4.
Strangely, in my records which go back to the early 1980s, arrival dates were mostly around the 20th.
First swift today, too, which is earlier than most years here!

That figures Monika, I reported them flying over the Isle of Wight about a week ago, just got to Yorkshire!

Hi everyone,

Just got back from my allotment after feeding my hens, guess what I spotted my first two swallows of this season very pleased with myself, they know when to turn up as the weather forecast for tomorrow is 20c and maybe higher.

Monika I wish i had kept better records and thank you for the information it is always helpful

Regards

Arnie

Hi Arnie,
I saw a lone Swallow quartering the field next to me on 20th March but it didn't stay and was gone in about an hour.
Six Swallows turned up to stay on the 7th April and the females have already been sitting for more than a week. A load more turned up yesterday but have not had the time to ascertain how many.
Last year they were very late and the main stream turned up on the 29th April so this year they are if anything a little early.
The average over the last 30 plus years is the 12th April which I use as my bench mark.
When they turn up I somehow have an inner feeling of well being that spring is here to stay.
The earliest I have ever seen Swallows in UK is 9th February over Chew Valley Reservoir in Somerset and on the journey home we met blizzard conditions and have always wondered how they fared with such conditions.
JB.

I saw my first Swallows here on Sunday. (21st) They usually arrive around the middle of the month so, are about a week late this year. The House Martins arrived last week.

Like JB, I get a nice warm feeling when I first see our Hirundines arrive.

Cheers.

One Swallow sighted today at Gunby, E. Lincs.

Clive.