Hardy Tropicals UK

Swallows, Swifts, & House Martins.

Anyone got any of these this year. They normally arrive around here the last week in April, but not a sign of them this year. They are late

It is a bit worrying planting out before they arrive, as normally they are better predicters of the weather than forecasters, and they don't do frost

Saw my first swift i think on saturday while in the garden,its great to see them,it means summers on its way.

Last night a whole load of swifts went screeching overhead. They were the first ones I've seen this year. Was out in the garden earlier and I could hear them. So they're certainly here!

Not seen our regular pair of Martins yet Dave .

Our swallows arrived bang on time around 2 weeks ago in freezing cold. They are now in their nest, and with warmth suddenly they are singing away and seem very happy.

We dont get to see the swifts (well I havent noticed) until mid summer just as the flying ants are coming out of every knook and cranny. Perhaps its just that I happen to look for them at that time.
Not really a twitcher although I was twitching a bit yesterday at St Marys

Glad to hear they are around. We don't get Swallows as they want to be near fresh water and we don't have that environment, but maybe the Swifts and House Martins don't like Thames gateway. It is very dusty at the moment with all the building work going on around here. Perhaps we don't have the insects this year?

Dave, our family of swallows arrive same day every year.
Maybe swifts and house martins arrive a little later, but I would think their arrival is timed by their biological clocks rather than because of insects ?

We've had swifts here for at least a week,their screeching is unmistackable.
I'll ask my mum about the swallows as she has a pair that like to nest in her stables every year

Well just to prove me wrong, they all turned up yesterday afternoon. Crafty little bu@@ers must have been hiding around the corner. As you say Steve, you can't mistake them, and don't even need to look at the sky. The Swifts screech, and the House Martins make a distinctive clicking sort of noise.

Working from the garden today, and not a sound again. Maybe they were passing through on their way further north.

Dave, maybe its just down to the weather ? Our swallows disappeared last week for a few days when it was cold and dank here, not sure where they go, in search of flies i guess. The next day they are back again if the suns out. They have just started nesting now ,so i guess they cant dash off if the weather turns ugly again.

Nigel, there is not a cloud in the sky here, Nor Swallows, Swifts, or House Martins.
Think it must be down to insects. It is much more windy today than yesterday.

Blue Sky

The swifts are down here in London now too- noticed them on thursday morning.

We dont seem to get the Swalows or House Martins in built up areas- just the swifts.

A classic summer sound! Really makes me happy to hear them.

Swifts are back in Sheffield. I have been waiting for them and have seen about six today, and I would expect more to arrive soon.

Blimey, 5 years on

I saw 3 Swifts on Monday, but I think the gales blew them away, as not seen them since