Observations on Swallows

OldRio

We have had a successful breeding year in our hay barn. One early brood fledged. Followed by a further two broods. Our best year in a while.

Now I find to my surprise that a fourth brood is getting fed regularly by their parents and will fledge in 7/10 days. This is the getting very late in the year and I fear for them and parents with that journey in front of them.

Anyone had any similar occurrences?

Del.Monte

It's getting late for sure. There's not a Swallow to be seen about Enniscorthy for some days now.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

It is not at all unusual for late clutches at this time of year. They will be here for at least another 4 weeks.

Large numbers quartering the bogs and river banks here in the North East and plenty of late clutches.

OpenYourEyes

I was in Trabolgan at the weekend and there were 2+ Swallow broods outside the restaurant. All chicks very big though, should be fine!

Falcon L

Yeah, we've got a third clutch on the nest at the moment. It seems to have been a good year for them. I don't know how many are in the nest, I won't go anywhere near it in case I disturb them. I won't know until they start their chaotic flying lessons.

DellyBelly

Seems to be plenty of greenfly around at the moment so feeding the young shouldn't be an issue.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

DellyBelly wrote: »

Seems to be plenty of greenfly around at the moment so feeding the young shouldn't be an issue.

Swallows wouldn't take much in the way of briefly. They take insects on the wing, like midges. Still plenty of them about though.

downwesht

2 Swallows in Baltimore this morning!!!Also Cattle Egret!

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

downwesht wrote: »

2 Swallows in Baltimore this morning!!!Also Cattle Egret!

Cattle Egret or Little Egret?