Safe travels, looking forward to seeing you next year . . .
little swallows
A sad goodbye to the last of our swallows. This little family of 3 were left behind by mum and dad. After a few practice days returning each night to roost in the only ‘home’ they know, (a safe haven where they are protected from the weather and predators) they left on 26th September for their long migration to warmer climes, only 9 days after fledging.
The swallow numbers were good this year. Whether it was the more humid summer helping the construction and stick ability of their mud nests, or a greater abundance of insects to feed on, they have ducked and dived at speed around the grassland entertaining us. It seems impossible to get a decent photo of this, hence my poor shot here. You will just have to visit us to see for yourselves!
Crane flies, or Daddy longlegs as they are known in England, have been busily hatching out this month from the leatherjackets across our chemical free grassland, and have undoubtedly provided a rich source of food for the swallows, building up their stamina for the long flight ahead. This crane fly found clinging to the window did however survive but did you know that these insects with stilt-like legs have such a short life span anyway that many do not manage to eat at all during it?
In wishing all our visitors a safe journey onwards, this also includes our summer-visiting swallows
Discover more from Big Sky Brisley Glamping & CL Site
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.