Saw my first swallow of the year today!

bobbytwo

Well saw two today in Cork. Can anyone beat this date? The earliest I have seen them was at the coast on the 17th March about five years ago. Does anyone know what is the actual earliest recorded arrival sighting?

Judgement Day

I suppose these couldn't be ones that overwintered in the Sunny South West?

Mothman

Good stuff.
I often see them in late March. Being near east coast I'm on flight path and its somewhat pot luck to see them. Local ones don't usually arrive till after mid-April, though ocassionally earlier.

As for other migrant species, Chiff Chaffs here in good numbers, but seen/heard nothing else.

stevensi

Good to see Spring is in the air. I haven't seen any Martins or Swallows yet but have seen a couple of wheatears last weekend. Can't wait to hear that distinctive Chiff Chaff call a sure sign that the longer evenings are on the way!

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

The earliest Irish record for a Swallow is from Milltown in Kerry on the 23, February 1913 and the latest dates are several in December up to the 31st. However, any Swallow record after October would be considered to be a national record. This is also the case for the related House Martin and Sand Martin. Confusion exists with one Sand Martin record from the 12 January 1963 as the authorities cannot decide whether it's a late date for 1962 or an early date for 1963!

wgsten

On march 17th while fishing on the river Liffey I saw some housemartins feeding above the river.

Jim Martin

One here reported on 20/03 in Ennis, Co.Clare:

http://www.clarebirdwatching.com/scarce-rare-bird-sightings/march-2009-2.html

jmkennedyie

18th March is the earliest one this year logged on www.irishbirding.com. There is also a 2008 sighting for Jan 1 at Howth!

Mothman

Saw my first of year today.

boneless

I think I saw my first yesterday but it was just a brief glimpse. This was in the Phibsborough area.

amerden

Saw mine in North Co. Cork Sunday (5th)

ciaran76

loads outside my job today. Yesterday there wasnt one to be seen and today loads! Oh I am in Swords

donal7

One flew right over me in Swords early on Tuesday morning. First sighting this year

marlin vs

This little fella (swallow) came into the wheelhouse of my friend's fishing boat 15 mile's off hook head, and landed on the satnav (must have been checking his co/ordinance) the picture isn't great as it was taken with my phone.

boneless

marlin vs wrote: »

This little fella (swallow) came into the wheelhouse of my friend's fishing boat 15 mile's off hook head, and landed on the satnav (must have been checking his co/ordinance) the picture isn't great as it was taken with my phone.

Picture of the Year so far!!!!

Mothman

Seeing them most days now, with four seen yesterday evening.
No sign of my "own" swallows.

littlebug

I thought I saw a few fly overhead one day last week but can't be sure. The little guys that hung out last year on the wires out the back of the house haven't arrrived anyway. My daughter cried when they were leaving last year so she's been keeping an eye out for their grand return

sesswhat

At least two swallows reached Donegal yesterday.

I also counted 65 Wild Geese heading off in one formation yesterday evening.

PinkTulips

i saw on about 2 weeks ago, the swallows who nest in our houses haven't tunned up yet though and it's usually close to may when they do.

i'm in roscommon so i'm really amazed to have seen one so early!

sineadgalway

First of our local swallows in limerick city today...

wex96

Just seen my first swallows, living outside Gorey Co.Wexford. they're chatting away on my roof. heeereees summer lol:D

Judgement Day

Just saw my first Swallows of the year in Enniscorthy DG! Plenty of House Sparrows in evidence at DG railway station yesterday. Things are indeed looking up!

Sundew

Saw my first swallows at the weekend in Rosserk Abbey outside Ballina.
Good place to see them.
http://www.castlebar.ie/mayo_historical_and_archaeological_society/mhas-20040109.shtml

Also heard my first cuckoo last Saturday

Judgement Day

Did you think that one up all by yourself? :rolleyes: