Swallow not gone

Hesh's Umpire

Hi. Know zilch about birds.

Had 2 clutches of swallows in my porch this summer. The second clutch of three chicks hatched early this month. I was away, don't know date.

Anyway, there's still one of the three sitting in the nest this evening.

Is he leaving it very late to fly South? I'd hate to think he was "left behind".

Dr Devious

Ryanair probably cancelled his flight.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

People always seem to think Swallows leave earlier than they actually do. They will be around until about the third week in October. Late couches happen and can survive if the weather holds. If they hatch in the next week, they should make it.

elperello

He still has a chance and may head off with some others in the area.

Hesh's Umpire

Arian Angry Mower wrote: »

People always seem to think Swallows leave earlier than they actually do. They will be around until about the third week in October. Late couches happen and can survive if the weather holds. If they hatch in the next week, they should make it.

He's hatched already. At least 3 weeks old. Should be OK per last post.

WildIreland

While a lot of swallows have already started their journey it's not unusual to see some stragglers hanging on well into October or even early November.

I saw my last swallow of 2016 on 05 December -- so I wouldn't be overly concerned about this little guy.:)

Del.Monte

It's well known that Swallows over-winter in the mud at the bottom of ponds and lakes.