Barn Swallows Daily Log 2011 -2012 SeasonBy Angie Wilken
|
| 22-02-2012 Wednesday |
Extremely hot and humid day, northeasterly wind, bright, colourful sunset. some swallows seen 6pm but it was 6.40pm when the mass arrival began. Due to clear sky conditions the Barn Swallows arrived low and displayed low, using the landscape, incredible numbers, awesome display. Skies clear 6.51pm |
| 21-02-2012 Tuesday |
Hot and humid day with westerly wind, overcast at swallow time. First Barn
Swallow arrivals from 6.15pm numbers grew steadily, binoculars were needed to see against dark sky
and landscape. They were in full mass from 6.40pm awesome numbers and at lower altitude than last
night. Skies clear 6.50pm. Migration defiantly happening, numbers varying, exceptional viewing from now until mid April. |
| 20-02-2012 Monday |
Strong northeasterly wind dropping to no wind at swallow time, overcast. First Barn Swallows were seen 6.15pm. then from 6.35 onwards the numbers just poured in, a feeding frenzy occurred on site, I was bitten by mosquitoes so insects are emerging. Absolutely spectacular mass display, incredible numbers, so much so one was spoilt for choice as to where to look next, as spots of rain began to fall the swallows descended into the reedbed 7.47pm. |
| 19-02-2012 Sunday |
Strong northeasterly wind, cool, overcast, thick, dark cloud bank on
western horizon. The Barn Swallows began arriving from as early as 6pm, numbers just continued to
grow, a nice flight over spectator heads then they massed, hugging the hilltops along the Verulam
skyline, awesome display, awesome numbers, binoculars magnified the incredible spectacle. Skies clear 6.52pm |
| 18-02-2012 Saturday |
Overcast the entire day, mist rain in the morning then pored down from 4pm, dark, visibility poor, no Barn Swallow viewing tonight. |
| 17-02-2012 Friday |
Dark, thunder and lightening, southwesterly wind, started to rain, no swallow watching for me this evening. |
| 16-02-2012 Thursday |
Hot and humid clouding over mid afternoon, northeasterly wind, dark. First Barn
Swallows arrived 6.44pm, late and at very low altitude, 3 flocks roosted independently of each
other, numbers reduced considerably, never saw a display like this before! Skies clear 6.50pm. Just viewed weather forecast, cyclone moving down from Madagascar, heavy rains predicted. |
| 15-02-2012 Wednesday |
Overcast day with strong southwesterly wind. Visibility hazy at swallow time,
first Barn Swallow arrivals 6.37pm at low altitude, they blended with the landscape, only briefly
appearing in the sky, difficult to ascertain numbers. Not a full mass display, descend into the
reedbed was spread out over 5 minutes and late arrivals just went straight to roost. Skies
clear 6.53pm. NOTE: Had water samples taken from the Mdloti river as was black in colour and smelled foul. |
| 14-02-2012 Tuesday |
Valentines Day and lovely to see a nice crowd of spectators. It was a clear skied evening, magic sunset, strong northeasterly wind, hot and humid, some swallows seen dotted about from 5.50pm but it was only 6.44pm that the Barn Swallows started their mass arrival, huge numbers filled the skies and thrilled onlookers, swallows visible without binoculars, brilliant display, bigger number than last night, totally awesome. Skies clear 6.59pm. |
| 13-02-2012 Monday |
Cloudy and cool at swallow time, light northeasterly wind, dark. The Barn Swallow mass arrived in style this evening, flying overhead to announce their arrival at 6.47pm and mass they did, visibility was improved with binoculars and revealed huge numbers as they performed their evening dance and then the graceful, layered descent into the reedbed 7pm skies clear. |
| 12-02-2012 Sunday |
Weather cleared partially then clouded over again mid afternoon, dark, chilly, strong
northeasterly wind dying down at sunset. First Barn Swallow flock sighted 6.15pm then mass arrival
6.45pm, incredible numbers although slightly less than 2 evenings ago, short but awesome
display, they arrived low, blending with the landscape, binoculars needed, descent
into the reedbed was well staggered 6.54pm skies clear. |
| 11-02-2012 Saturday |
Cloudy, dark day, rained from mid afternoon and throughout the night, light southwesterly wind. Poor visibility due to rainy and dark conditions so did not venture out to the swallow site. Cold. |
| 10-02-2012 Friday |
Hot and very humid, rained slightly at lunch time, felt like a sauna outside. Clouded over heavily at swallow time, misty, started to spit, strong westerly wind came up and really cooled it down. Not swallow watching weather but was curious to see if same numbers present as last night. First Barn Swallows arrived 6.34pm and the numbers just grew and grew, they arrived at varied altitudes, looking through binoculars the swallows were everywhere you looked, massive number, same as last night, awesome display and a slow motion descend into the reedbed 6.56pm. |
| 9-02-2012 Thursday |
Hot and humid, light southwesterly breeze, clouded over mid afternoon, dark, went to the swallow site and it started to rain. Spectators arrived in the rain and we sheltered together under the entrance roof. 6pm the Barn Swallows began to appear from all directions and altitudes, binoculars were needed. Wow, a flash of lightening and a crack of thunder, the numbers just kept growing and growing, yeeeha, our Barn Swallow millions have just returned and what an awesome display they performed, it was none stop viewing until 6.53pm when all made final descend into the reedbed in the pouring rain. Totally brilliant, awesome display! |
| 8-02-2012 Wednesday |
Hot and humid 31°C, northeasterly wind dropping to no wind at swallow time, overcast. The Barn Swallows arrived 6.37pm at low altitudes blending with the landscape, numbers grew and in final display they rose to reveal a truly awesome evening dance, dropping into the reedbed 6.56pm. Best numbers yet! |
| 7-02-2012 Tuesday |
Some rain fell in the night so awoke to a misty morning, clearing to hot and humid 31°C, clouded over fully from 3 pm, northeasterly wind cooling down, dark. Barn Swallows arrived at low altitude 6.34pm, blending with the landscape, binoculars were needed to see against dark backdrop, awesome display, low descend into reedbed 6.57pm, skies clear. |
| 6-02-2012 Monday |
Hot, dry, overcast, no rain, light south westerly breeze, dark. Swallows arrived
from 6.40pm, binoculars were needed as they arrived low, blending with the landscape. Numbers have
grown, starting to look impressive, their display was awesome, at low altitude and a slow
motion descent into the reedbed 7.00pm, skies clear. The Barn Swallows fluttered from reed to reed
until settled at 7.03pm. Mosquitoes were noted on site. |
| 5-02-2012 Sunday |
Still no rain, hot day, clouding over mid afternoon, south westerly wind, cool. First Barn Swallow arrivals 6.37pm at varied altitudes, small yet nice numbers, they did 2 practice runs of test roosting, rising for the final display only a few meters above the reedbed, the final descent was almost in slow motion, they then fluttered from reed to reed before settling for the night. Binoculars were needed to view last 5 minutes. Skies clear 6.55pm. |
| 4-02-2012 Saturday |
Very hot sticky day, clouding over at lunch time, south westerly wind from mid
afternoon cooling things down somewhat. Swallow time it was fully over cast, the odd sighting of
swallows from 6.20pm onwards then at 6.40pm the Barn Swallows stared to arrive from left of the
viewing site, displaying overhead, then moving left and then right, numbers largest we've seen in
weeks and what a display they gave us! spectators thrilled at the spectacle. Skies clear 6.55pm |
| 3-02-2012 Friday |
Super hot day, light northeasterly wind, clouding over at swallow time, we so desperately need rain. First Barn Swallow sightings 7pm, small in number compared to last night. They didn't mass and display, they just went straight to roost in small groups, Binoculars were needed. Skies clear 7.10pm |
| 2-02-2012 Thursday |
Very hot day, northeasterly wind, patchy clouds, western cloud bank at swallow time. Skies were empty until 7pm when nice size flock of Barn Swallows appear from left side of viewing site. Backwards and forwards they flew performing their evening dance, binoculars needed to see full mass, descending into the Lake Victoria reedbed 7.10pm, skies clear. |
| 1-02-2012 Wednesday |
Hot day, clouded over at swallow time, dark, no wind. A few Barn Swallows flew along the horizon, binoculars were needed, arriving 6.58pm over Verulam moving left, they didn't stay, they just disappeared to the left. Skies clear of movement 7.05pm |
| 31-01-2012 Tuesday |
A dash of rain this morning resulted in hot and humid conditions throughout the day, northeasterly wind, clear sky, bright, slightly cooler as the sun disappeared, magic sunset. Swallows started showing at 7.04pm at the far left of swallow viewing site, more arrived from right of Verulam skies, a constant flow until 7.10pm, binoculars were needed. A small Barn Swallow flock formed left of the viewing site, trees blocked full view, could not see descent, some late arrivals didn't display at all and went straight to roost. No real formation or display tonight. |
|
30-01-2012 |
Overcast at swallow time with a strong northeasterly wind, a slight chill in the air, dry. A couple of swallows flew over the site 6.45pm then to my astonishment there was a flock of Barn Swallows arriving from the left of the swallow site 6.56pm. Backwards and forwards they flew, more swallows joined in the display. They formed into a tighter mass (not huge in number but nice in amount and exciting to watch) then they dropped into the reedbed 7.10pm, skies clear. |
| 29-01-2012 Sunday |
Northeasterly breeze, chilly, the air crisp, feels alot like autumn! no humidity, beautiful sunset. A few lesser striped swallows and swifts flew by but that was it! Not a single Barn Swallow was seen anywhere, horizons void of any movement, gave up at 7.20pm the Barn Swallows didn't arrive at all. |
| 28-01-2012 Saturday |
A dark cloud hugged the western skyline, a slight westerly breeze, magic sunset, a real
nip in the air. Some lesser striped swallows and swifts were hunting for insects over the swallow
site from 6.35pm. The swallow spectators and I waited patiently until the Barn Swallow time of
arrival as per the last 2 evenings, and we waited, and waited but no Barn Swallows arrived, none at
all! Very disappointing. Gave up at 7.25pm. |
| 27-01-2012 Friday |
Light northeasterly wind, bright, clouded over at swallow time. Very few Barn Swallows seen until 7.07pm, arriving at the last minute, hardly displaying at all before descending into the reedbed 7.11pm as it began to rain, a second flock joined at high speed flying extremely low over the swallow site and went straight down to roost. |
| 26-01-2012 Thursday |
An occasional soft breeze blew from the southwest breaking the stillness spasmodically. The sky was ¾ thick grey clouds and the far left sky was bright and clear, much warmer tonight. Virtually no swallow sightings earlier possibly due to brighter conditions and horizons void of any movement. Then suddenly at 7.07pm the Barn Swallow mass moved through blending with the landscape opposite us, backwards and forwards they flew and performed their evening dance, more joined from the left, beautiful, numbers same as previous evening. Skies clear 7.13pm |
|
25-0-2012 |
Overcast, thick cloud cover, chilly, strong south westerly wind, some swallow movement from 6.20pm then it rained 6.30pm for 5 minutes, Barn Swallows began arriving 6.37pm from the Umdloti valley on the left of the viewing site, a mass of Barn Swallows gathered directly in front of the swallow site with Verulam as the backdrop, it was dark so binoculars were needed to sharpen the sight and what a dance they performed, totally awesome, numbers look as if they have grown even more than previous few nights. Skies clear 7.07pm |
| 24-01-2012 Tuesday |
Some heavy rain in the night, remained cloudy most of the day, strong westerly
wind, overcast at swallow time, slightly chilly. First sightings of Barn Swallows 6.15pm, nice
close up viewing, numbers continued to arrived then all disappeared for about 10 minutes only to
reappear at 6.48pm in larger numbers than last night, they performed their evening dance,
binoculars magnified this awesome display, spectators were in awe of the sighting. All descended
into the reedbed 7.01pm. NOTE: ACSA radar team confirmed the roosting of the Barn Swallows last night and reported that numbers are still low in comparison to this time last year |
| 23-01-2012 Monday |
Northeasterly wind, hot and humid day, thick black clouds at swallow time, dark. First sighting of Barn Swallow 6.15pm arriving at assorted spots along the horizon, some stopped slightly to the left of the viewing site and swirled, performing an evening display that lasted almost 25 minutes thrilling spectators, nice medium flock numbers, they then descended into the reedbed to roost for the night. Skies clear 7.07pm. Awesome! |
| 22-01-2012 Sunday |
Clouded over early with slight drizzle then cleared completely to hot and sticky day. Swallow time some cloud hugged the western hazy horizon, slight south westerly breeze. Small show of Barn Swallows mixed with swifts at 6.50pm arriving from base of swallow site flying up and over in a easterly direction, close proximity. Horizons void of any movement, some spectators gave up just after 7pm but then something amazing happened...... 7.10pm a medium flock arrived from the left of the swallow site and began their evening dance, backwards and forwards until they descended into the reedbed, I was extremely encouraged to see this. Then 20 seconds later they rose, flew up over the swallow site and headed off east. Skies clear 7.15pm NOTE: Tiny Insects starting to emerge |
| 21-01-2012 Saturday |
Extremely hot day, hardly any breeze at all, clouding over from the west at swallow time. 6.46pm first Barn Swallows seen moving along horizon. Arriving right of Verulam moving left blending with the landscape, flying at low altitude, very small sighting compared to previous 2 nights, binoculars were needed. Skies clear 7.01pm. |
| 20-01-2012 Friday |
Hot and humid, pumping northeasterly wind again, clouds building along western horizon. Barn Swallow were seen form 6.40pm along horizon moving from left of to right. Arriving over Verulam skies and far right of Mount Moreland, constant flow of Barn Swallows until 7.03pm, numbers increasing. Flying through at varied altitudes. Without binoculars you would not have seen any at all. |
| 19-01-2012 Thursday |
Hot and humid, pumping northeasterly wind, cooling down considerably at swallow time. First swallow sightings 6.30 pm sky right of swallow site, small flocks over Nollsworth sky, wave of movement from right to left, binoculars were needed. Barn swallow numbers improving but still small and no roosting, some swallows even flew over the swallow site. Skies clear 7.00pm |
| 18-01-2012 Wednesday |
Hot and humid, northeasterly wind, cloudy sky at sunset. Went down to the bottom of the viewing site (no mosquitoes) and viewed from there, no Barn swallow movement over Mount Moreland, small flocks seen moving in a constant stream along horizon at varied altitudes, appearing right of Verulam 6.45pm moving left, disappearing just left of Waterloo skies, binoculars were needed, no swallows over reedbed. Skies clear 6.55pm. |
| 17-01-2012 Tuesday |
Heavy down pours in the night, awoke to fine rain, sunshine and a rainbow. Cleared up by 10am to hot and humid day, patchy clouds at swallow time, northeasterly wind. Small number of swallows arrived 6.50pm foraging over Mount Moreland's tree tops and some Barn Swallow scouts surveyed the reedbed, skies clear 7.03pm. Insects (mosquitoes) starting to emerge. |
| 16-01-2012 Monday |
Intermittent rain throughout the night and today. A shower at swallow time, southwesterly wind, patchy sky, looks like more rain to come. I went to site despite the unsettled weather, no sign of any Barn Swallows so returned home to view the Froggy Pond skies, no sightings of Barn Swallows at all, I watched until 7.10pm. |
| 15-01-2012 Sunday |
Hot, humid day with light southwesterly wind, pretty sunset, patchy clouds then a cloud burst. Only a few Barn Swallows seen individually, no flock sightings, no mass display, skies empty of movement. A late swallow watcher arrived and said that he had seen lots of swallows flying over the lower road heading southeast 6.55pm. No sightings from the swallow site. |
| 13 & 14-01-2012 Fri & Sat |
Took time off from swallow watching in local territory and went away to Cape
Vidal, a natural paradise, the swallows were present with me all the way. The ladies on swallow duty reported that no large flocks of swallows were seen. |
| 12-01-2012 Thursday |
Hot and humid day with pumping northeasterly wind, nice sunset. Not much of Barn Swallow activity until 6.40pm when small flocks began moving from the sky right of Verulam travelling left at varied altitudes, this continued until 7.09pm. Binoculars were needed. |
| 11-01-2012 Wednesday |
Strong northeasterly wind, hot and very humid day. Magic sunset, small Barn
Swallow flock sightings arriving in the sky right of Verulam, moving left along horizon 6.50pm,
movement continued until 7.05pm skies clear, binoculars were needed. Note: no mosquitoes since Saturday. |
| 10-01-2012 Tuesday |
Sizzling hot and humid day, light northeasterly breeze, grey cloud bank building in the west, lovely sunset. One small Barn Swallow flock seen over waterloo horizon 5.30pm. Some individual swallows flew over the site and a small flock were feeding low, on the opposite site of Lake Victoria, binoculars were needed. No Display, no Barn Swallow mass show. Horizons quiet. |
| 9-01-2012 Monday |
Hot and humid, northeasterly wind, overcast at swallow time. We heard the fish eagles calling. Binoculars were needed to see small flocks of Barn Swallows (from6.45pm) move along the horizon, arriving over Verulam and moving left . Skies clear 6.58pm. |
| 8-01-2012 Sunday |
Very hot day, northeasterly wind, fully overcast at swallow time cooling things down alot. Some small flocks of Barn Swallows seen from 6.15pm to 6.45pm flying along horizon from right side of site to left, thereafter no sightings, no display, no mass. |
| 7-01-2012 Saturday |
Hot day with northeasterly winds, semi overcast at swallow time. Very little
swallow movement, a small number moved from Verulam skies left along horizon. No show, no display,
very disappointing. Skies clear 7.05pm Note: The sugar cane fields surrounding Mount Moreland were crop sprayed this morning. An insecticide applied over a period of 6 applications for the control of Eldana Borer. Is this what is having an effect on the Barn Swallows this season? |
| 6-01-2012 Friday |
Hot day, patchy clouds at swallow time, no wind. The reedbed was a hive of
activity, weavers busy building nests and colourful red bishops fluttered amongst the reeds. 6.30pm
Barn Swallows started arriving in waves, brushing the tops of the reeds and perching every now and
then as if testing the bed. This Barn Swallow wave movement continued for 30 minutes, arriving from
the right of the site and moving left. 7pm and they flew in from the left and a mass began to form,
they used the hillside on approach, very low altitude, 6 minutes of this and then they flew off to
roost elsewhere. Skies clear 7.10pm. Was this a practice run for the Barn Swallows coming back to roost? Is this the start of the return of our swallows? |
| 5-01-2012 Thursday |
Woke to the song of the Golden Oracle. Rained most of the day and poured down at swallow time so I viewed the skies from home. Dark, thunder and lightening, one thunder crash so loud that we felt it, westerly wind. Some Barn Swallow movement, no large flocks. Skies clear 6.30pm |
| 4-01-2012 Wednesday |
Cooking hot day with northeasterly breeze. Arrived at swallow site 5pm, small movement of Barn Swallows in right sky 5.35pm then no swallow movement until 7pm. A large Barn Swallow flock came from the right of the site, down, at high speed just above the reedbed, this movement continued for almost 10 minutes. No display, none stayed to roost. Skies clear 7.10pm. Westerly wind just starting, large dark clouds approaching. |
| 3-01-2012 Tuesday |
Overcast, slight drizzle interment, strong southwesterly wind. 5pm went to the swallow site, cold, not pleasant, very strong wind. Some spectators braved the cold and Barn Swallows were seen from 5.30pm to 6.15pm, small flocks on horizons, flying over reedbed and over the swallow site, no large flocks, no mass display. Waited another 30 minutes and at 6.45pm called it a day, very cold and dark. |
| 2-01-2012 Monday |
Hot day with light northeasterly wind dropping completely to a still evening at swallow watching time, some grey cloud cover over the western horizon. The Barn Swallows were almost individual in arrival from 6.45pm, small flock flew over the swallow site, horizons quite. 7.02pm large numbers of Barn Swallows arrived from the right of the site flying left over the reeds and just above, one flock turned coming back almost beginning the evening display, all disappeared out of sight 7.10pm could not see to far left of site if they roosted. |
| 1-01-2012 Sunday |
News years day and what a glorious, hot ,sunshine summer day it was. No
wind at swallow site this evening, as spectators were arriving 5.30pm a fish eagle soared over the
site calling as it moved through. Magic sunset, almost as if the sky was divided in half, the left
side a colourful sunset, the right side a large dark cloud with lightening within it. 6.50pm
small flocks of swallows moved along the horizon from the right of the site to left, binoculars
were needed, some surveyed the reedbed, a few flew over the swallow site. No display, no roosting
at Lake Victoria. Skies clear 7.02pm. One of the first evenings it wasn't cold. |
| 31-12-2011 Saturday |
New Years eve. I went to swallow site even though it was seriously clouded over and began
to rain, light northeasterly, dark, thunder and lightening along western horizon. 5.30pm quite a
nice size flock of Barn Swallows arrived, 15 minutes of active skies then the wind changed to
south westerly, unpleasant, relocated with spectators to Froggy Pond, small flocks moving along all
skylines, no final display, no roosting. Skies clear 6.55pm. |
| 30-12-2011 Friday |
Hot day, cooling off at swallow time, mixed cloudy colourful sky, nice sunset, north easterly wind. Packed with spectators, some Barn Swallows flew over the site, smaller flocks were seen moving along the Verulam skyline from right to left from 6.35pm. The swallows didn't stay, no display, no roosting, very disappointing. Skies clear 6.55pm |
| 29-12-2011 Thursday |
Hot, cloudy, breezy day, westerly wind. Went to the lake Victoria viewing site,
very overcast. No flocks of Barn Swallows were seen, only a few odd ones flew over, not one flock
along the horizons. I drove round to the Froggy Pond viewing site to survey the skyline, small
flock spotted moving towards the estuary, nothing at all similar to what I had seen last night. Skies clear 6.50pm. |
| 28-12-2011 Wednesday |
Rained most if the day, south westerly wind, not pleasant outdoors. The fish eagles were around at lunch time surveying the Mdloti river. At swallow time I watched the skies from home and there were quite alot of Barn Swallows that came up from the Mdloti estuary, biggest flock I've seen in weeks. Could not establish where they went down to roost, will view from swallow sites tomorrow. |
| 27-12-2011 Tuesday |
Hot and humid day with pumping northeasterly wind, clouded over in the west, very
dark clouds at swallow time and cooled down to chilly. Some small flocks of swallows were seen
moving from the right of the site to left, binoculars were needed, no numbers of impact, no
display, very disappointing. |
| 26-12-2011 Monday |
Hot and humid day with pumping northeasterly wind, clouded over in the west at swallow time and cooled down to chilly. Vast numbers of spectators arrived and unfortunately were not rewarded with any display by the Barn Swallows. Small flocks flew over the site and along the distant hillside, binoculars were needed, none stayed to roost. Skies clear 6.46pm. still no insects present. |
| 25-12-2011 Sunday Christmas Day |
Very hot day 32°C with strong north easterly winds, clouding over at swallow time. I did not go to the swallow site due to the fact that our electricity was off the entire day and Christmas lunch was cooked in a webber and took longer than anticipated. I did look out and saw some Barn Swallows flying towards the Umdloti Lagoon. |
| 24-12-2011 Saturday Christmas eve |
Overcast with rain most of the day, southwesterly wind, cleared partially at
swallow time. Small numbers of Barn Swallows seen, a flock of swifts but no swallow display. Barn
Swallows all moving through towards Umdloti estuary. Skies clear 6.50pm, it began raining again. |
| 23-12-2011 Friday |
Overcast with rain most of the day, southwesterly wind, cold. I did go to
swallows as it wasn't raining. Some small flocks of Barn Swallows were seen moving through, no
major shows. I relocated to Froggy Pond 6.30pm and there were some small flocks of swallows also
moving through towards the estuary, started pouring with rain. Skies clear 7pm |
| 22-12-2011 Thursday |
4th hot and humid day in a row, strong north easterly winds changing
to south westerly at swallow time, overcast. Arrived at the site 5pm and there was already a small
Barn Swallow flock hovering over the site. From 5.50pm until 6.22pm small flocks (slightly bigger
in number than previous evenings but still no major show) of Barn Swallows kept flying at very
low altitude over the viewing site, some even surveyed the reedbed. There was no final display as a thunder storm was fast approaching 6.50pm. Here comes the rain, let's see how much we get! |
| 21-12-2011 Wednesday |
Hot and humid day with strong north easterly wind, dark clouds building along
western horizon. A colourful sunset. Some swallows around from 6pm then 6.30pm small Barn Swallow
flocks moved from the right vista to the left and this movement continued for 30 minutes along the
horizon, binoculars were needed. We had a few Barn Swallows fly close over the viewing
site. No final display. Skies clear 7pm. Umdloti estuary opens to the sea reducing the water level in the Mdloti river. |
| 20 -12-2011 Tuesday |
Hot and humid day, north easterly wind, clouding over and cooling down at
swallow time. Spectators arrived in large numbers from 5.30pm onwards. There was a small flock of
Barn Swallows feeding over the trees on the right on the viewing site. A low fly over but the small
barn Swallow numbers had little impact on the eagerly awaiting swallow watchers. Skies clear
6.53pm. Still no insect life. Weather forecast is heavy rain for the next few days, we will have to see how heavy ( will it flood?) and if this is the catalyst to generate the Barn Swallows much needed food supply. |
| 19-12-2011 Monday |
Hot and humid day (first full day of humidity). Swallow time clouded over, grey
skies again with a south westerly wind putting a nip in the air. Small sighting of Barn
Swallows to the right of the viewing site. A very close up fly over by approximately 50 swallows,
they must be starving as we still do not have the insects that they so desperately need to feed
upon. Skies clear 6.50pm. Radar team have reported that the swallows are roosting in the Umdloti estuary, a similar pattern to last season. The reason for this is probably due to the slightly warmer conditions in that area. |
| 18-12-2011 Sunday |
Very hot day, sunshine with pumping easterly wind all day, clouded over at
swallow time, thick grey clouds, cold, wearing jerseys again. Some small sightings of swallows from
6.10 pm, groups arriving from the right of the site moving left, no display, no roosting. NOTE: No insects for the Barn Swallows to feed on, no humidity, no mosquito's, cold |
| 17-12-2011 Saturday |
Hot day, clouded over at swallow time, dark heavy clouds along the western skyline with a northerly wind that was cold, some spectators even wrapped in blankets. Once again no Barn Swallow arrival, so no display. Some of the nesting swallows (lesser striped, white throated, wire tailed, grey rumped) were seen flying over the site. |
| 16-12-2011 Friday |
Overcast, northeasterly wind. Lots of spectators arrived to see the swallows. As time ticked towards sunset less than 50 single event swallows had been seen, a no show, not one single flock to view, not even a fly through, very disappointing. |
| 15-12-2011 Thursday |
Overcast, on-off rain all day, south westerly wind. Didn't go to the swallow
site, stayed home and viewed the Froggy Pond and Mdloti river skies. Some Barn Swallow movement, no
large flocks, looked like they were heading for Lake Victoria. Skies clear 6.52pm |
| 14-12-2011 Wednesday |
Hot, humid morning, overcast all day, easterly wind. Barn Swallows were seen
from 6.20pm moving from the right to left of Lake Victoria along the horizons, binoculars were
needed. This pattern continued for 20 minutes, more swallows (nice numbers) than I have
seen in 10 days but they didn't stay and display, they only moved through, almost as if
surveying the reedbed. Reports of mass sightings at the Umhlanga lagoon ± 20km southeast of Mount Moreland. Note: mosquito's and flies are noticeably absent presently at Mount Moreland for this time of year |
| 13-12-2011 Tuesday |
Beautiful day with strong north easterly wind. Swallow site packed with
spectators. A few swallows were seen along the horizons from 6.20pm, binoculars were needed. They
moved from the right side of Lake Victoria to the left side and disappeared from sight. NO display
at all. Swallows watchers were extremely disappointed. The fireflies came out at ± 7pm |
| 12-12-2011 Monday |
Overcast with fine rain most of the day, miserable. Didn't go to the swallows site due to bad weather, I went to Umdloti and I did see some Barn Swallows, they appeared confused and not sure where they were going to roost, it was unclear where they went. |
| 11-12-2011 Sunday |
A glorious, sunshine day, hot. At swallow time it did cloud over, spat a bit of rain then cleared partially to reveal a beautiful sunset. Spectators reported sightings of Barn Swallows sitting on the wires approaching Mount Moreland. Some Barn Swallows were seen arriving from 6.20pm along the horizons, binoculars were needed. The flock was small and sparse with no final display. Possibly a new migrating flock that just arrived, too tired to display. |
| 10-12-2011 Saturday |
Some sunshine this morning but clouded over from lunch time, dark, strong north easterly wind, chilly again. As I walked out the door, packed up and ready to go and do swallow duty the heavens opened and it poured down. I took the opportunity to drive to alternative roosting sites to have a look see and my observations confirmed, there are no Barn Swallows anywhere around here. |
| 9-12-2011 Friday |
Another overcast day with intermittent rain, very cold, south westerly wind. Went to the Lake Victoria swallow site, it started raining, no sign of any swallows by 6.30pm, disappointing, it was really cold for this time of year, nothing like summer weather at all. |
| 8-12-2011 Thursday |
Overcast all day, strong westerly winds with intermittent rain, cold. No swallows to be seen anywhere when out and about to nearby villages, very odd. Will wait and see what transpires with the weather, do the Barn Swallows know something that we don't? |
| 7-12-2011 Wednesday |
Had an appointment and had Sandra stand in and do swallow duty. Skies overcast and no sightings of swallows. |
| 6-12-2011 Tuesday |
Hot day with strong easterly wind, clouded over at swallow time and had a small
pink sunset. Very few Barn Swallows arrived 5.24pm, very hard to see, odd fly over, tiny flock
went down to roost on south eastern side of Lake Victoria. Skies clear 6.50pm |
| 5-12-2011 Monday |
The sun did come out today but the easterly wind howled the entire day, overcast
and dark once again at swallow time with chilling easterly wind. Small show of swallows, tiny
flock ± 100 Barn Swallows, this is not normal at all. Skies clear 6.50pm. Is this is a sign of floods to come? Time will tell. |
| 4-12-2011 Sunday |
Overcast once again at swallow time with cold easterly wind. Spectators arrived
and were not rewarded, there was a really small flock of Barn Swallows that arrived on the eastern
side of Lake Victoria and did not give a display, very disappointing. skies clear 6.50pm. 10 minutes later the fire flies twinkled on site, our very own natural Christmas lights. |
| 3-12-2011 Saturday |
Overcast at swallow time with a strong, cold westerly wind. It was really cold this
evening and the few Barn Swallows flew low over the site. There was a small flock display on the
left side of Lake Victoria, very brief and then to bed. It once again sounded as if there were more
swallows in the reedbed than were seen. |
| 2-12-2011 Friday |
Clear patchy day, overcast mid afternoon, strong south westerly wind. Spectators arrived at the Lake Victoria site, God rays broke through the grey back drop, lighting the distant hills, very picturesque. Barn Swallows were flying low from 5.50pm and sweeping through the site and then disappearing from sight. Then an unusual Barn Swallow display, it would appear that many smaller flocks arrived and went to roost independent of each other, then 2 slightly larger flocks arrived and each gave an individual display at separate times, then a late flock arrival. There are more Barn Swallows in the reedbed than what we saw, cupping ones hands over ones ears revealed the sounds of a very full reedbed,. Skies clear 6.48pm |
| 1-12-2011 Thursday |
Hot and humid day, winds variable, thick clouds at swallow time. Once again a
small show of Barn Swallows at Lake Victoria and no display, severe weather coming. Storm approaching from the west, started raining 6.31pm. |
| 30-11-2011 Wednesday |
Very pink sky this morning, a very hot and humid day, no wind, swallow time and a magic
sunset. Very few Barn Swallows again, arriving 5.55pm, they did fly over the site but no
display, small fly by's and binoculars were needed. |
| 29-11-2011 Tuesday |
Warmed up today but overcast, humid, grey skies, no wind at swallow time.
Swallows were feeding at the site when I arrived but only a small group. Things didn't improve when
it was display time, the flock was so small I kept losing sight of them. Skies clear 6.39pm. The small show of Barn Swallows I am sure is a sign of more bad weather to come. |
| 28-11-2011 Monday |
Hectic rain last night with major flood damage in surrounding areas, the Mdloti river flowing rapidly this morning. Sun came out and temperatures rose to 27° then we had showers in the afternoon and come swallow time the west wind had put a chill in the air again with grey clouds building. Small number of Barn Swallows around from 5.55pm arriving at very low altitude, tree top height. Only a small flock gathered and didn't really display at all, skies clear 6.45pm. More rain is forecasted. |
| 27-11-2011 Sunday |
Bitterly cold morning then the sun appeared and warmed things up a bit but the east wind
pumped the entire day. Time for swallows and the sound of thunder echoed through the clouds above,
I went to the swallow site curious to see if we had any new Barn Swallow arrivals. As I
stepped onto site there were 2 Trumpeter Hornbills perched on a nearby dead tree, unusual. A
few spectators arrived for the evening viewing and the Barn Swallows began appearing 6.15pm
and built to a watchable number, small flock, binoculars were needed against grey sky we also had
some close up fly by's. |
| 26-11-2011 Saturday |
Overcast the entire day, cold, easterly wind. This evening at the Lake Victoria
swallow viewing site there was a repeat non-performance, a no-show of Barn Swallows. This is
very disappointing and worrying. Perhaps it is too cold for our arriving Barn Swallows? or is this a sign of more serious weather still to come? Dragon flies were seen for the first time on site this evening followed by the fire flies. |
| 25-11-2011 Friday |
The sun peeped through a cloudy sky today and it remained cold with a strong westerly
wind. Went to the Lake Victoria swallow site wrapped in jerseys and sat with some spectators.
6.40pm we had about 100 swallows fly through us at about 1m height off the ground and they were
moving at extreme speed, not sure where they went! |
| 24-11-2011 Thursday |
Heavy rain the entire day, dark and cold, not swallow watching weather at all, so took my eyes off the skies for tonight. |
| 23-11-2011 Wednesday |
Time to go to swallows and it began to rain intermittently, so I didn't go. The Barn
Swallows arrived late 6.33pm and all headed for Lake Victoria. Numbers looked very low. |
| 22-11-2011 Tuesday |
Went to the Swallow site at Lake Victoria but came home as it started raining,
there were some Barn Swallows around, the Barn Swallow mass arrived 6.20pm and casually glided
overhead. All headed over to Lake Victoria to roost. Skies clear 6.40pm |
| 21-11-2011 Monday |
Our Barn Swallows are back! They have returned in great numbers. |
| 20-11-2011 Sunday |
Stared out a misty, fine rainy morning and then cleared up about 10am, strong
north easterly wind, sunshine. Barn Swallows were around from 5.30pm and they just continued to
grow in numbers, huge numbers, binoculars were needed to see against westerly cloud bank. Brilliant display, wonderful to see the Barn Swallows have arrived in great numbers again. Skies clear 6.44pm |
| 19-11-2011 Saturday |
Hasn't stopped raining, poured all night and day and the Barn Swallows have
been around and feasting the entire day on flying ants. the breeze is undecided, one hour from
the south then one hour from the north. 5.50pm masses of Barn Swallows arrived, the sky
was busy with flight where ever you looked and they arrived at all altitudes. Was today the day the
masses arrived? 6.26pm and all the Barn Swallows flew towards Lake Victoria where I am sure they bedded down for the night. I am so looking forward to going to the viewing site when the weather clears to see the massive number of new Barn Swallow arrivals. The ground is soaked and more rain is forecasted for the next 3 days. |
| 18-11-2011 Friday |
Cloudy day but humid. Went to Lake Victoria viewing site and it started to rain, misty,
low cloud, south easterly wind, poor visibility. Some holiday makers braved the weather and were
rewarded, the Barn Swallows were around from as early as 5.35pm. At 6.25pm 2 very large separate
flocks of Barn Swallows gathered and displayed, one flock descended to the left the other
centre. |
| 17-11-2011 Thursday |
The swamp was alive with sounds and in full chorus this morning. Mist,
foggy rain the entire day but not cold, in fact quite humid, light westerly wind. I did not go
to the viewing site. Viewed the Mdloti river skies and Froggy Pond, the Barn Swallows arrived at
6.24pm at tree top height feeding frantically, must be really hungry. 6.28pm the skies filled with Barn Swallows, thousands and thousands, nice to see good numbers again 6.30pm they all went over in the direction of Lake Victoria where I assume they bedded down for the night. |
| 16-11-2011 Wednesday |
Overcast, grey, light easterly wind, still a nip in the air, looks like mist rain
approaching. Lots of spectators arrived and were treated to the Barn Swallows feeding over and
through the viewing site at 6pm. Then the Barn Swallows began to gather to the left side of Lake
Victoria, numbers depleted considerably possibly due to cold weather. 6.23pm Small flock moved from
left to right and then descended into the reedbed 6.29pm, binoculars were needed, Barn Swallow
viewing difficult against grey sky. |
| 15-11-2011 Tuesday |
Strong easterly wind, chilly, not pleasant, overcast grey sky. Spectators
arrived at Lake Victoria viewing site and were treated to a close up Barn Swallow experience with
an on-site swallow feeding frenzy, awesome. 6.18pm. The main swallow display was very different
with one large group that gave a short display then went to bed and then 10 other smaller flocks
arrived and just went straight to bed, very odd, must be due to chill in the strong wind. Skies clear 6.28pm. |
| 14-11-2011 Monday |
Started out a rainy, miserable day with strong south westerly winds but cleared
up at lunch time, the sun came out and the wind dropped to a breeze. Went to the Lake Victoria viewing site where quite a few spectators arrived. It was a beautiful evening and we all watched an amazing, colourful sunset the first mass swallows arrived 6.28pm and arrive they did, what an awesome show they gave us thrilling onlookers. Skies clear 6.49pm Waited 10 minutes for the firefly display and the site became alive with many twinkling lights. |
| 13-11-2011 Sunday |
The Return of the Swallows event |
| 12-11-2011 Saturday |
Miserable weather, dark, overcast and unpleasantly strong south westerly wind, chilly. Went to swallows and was surprised to see so many spectators had arrived. The Barn Swallows arrived extremely low using the Waterloo hillside as protection from the strong wind, so viewing was not good, arrival 6.15pm, binoculars were needed. There was a quick mass display and then the Barn Swallows were in bed 6.20pm |
| 11-11-2011 Friday |
Rained this morning then cleared up but more rain forecast for this evening.
Went to Lake Victoria Barn Swallow viewing site, light easterly wind, overcast. Barn Swallows were
around from 5.30pm numbers increased at 5.55pm, lots of close-up fly by's. Lovely display but
binoculars were needed, more Barn Swallows have arrived and the mass number is growing. Skies clear 6.20pm |
| 10-11-2011 Thursday |
Intermittent rain throughout the day but clear enough to go swallow watching. I
started off at Lake Victoria and first Barn swallows arrived 5.50pm. I then relocated to Froggy
Pond curious to see if same pattern happened as last night. My hunch paid off and The Barn Swallows
massed at 6.12pm, nice short display, nice numbers. Skies clear 6.15pm |
| 9-11-2011 Wednesday |
Hot day again, clouding over mid afternoon. Went to Lake Victoria viewing site,
east wind blowing and thunder storm approaching from the west, dark. Lots of Barn Swallows around,
flying through low. Mass arrived 5.57pm and in mass number they were, at a guess maybe a hundred
thousand, lovely to see these new arrivals, all displayed over Lake Victoria against grey cloud
cover, awesome, then 3 minutes prior to roosting a split occurred and the majority went to
roost at Froggy Pond a small flock bedded down at Lake Victoria. Skies clear 6.15pm started raining |
| 8-11-2011 Tuesday |
Very hot day, beautiful colourful sunset, a stillness in the air. Barn swallows
were around from 5.30pm but few and far between. 6.30pm very few arrived for the evening
display. A disappointing show, skies clear 6.45pm Full moon tomorrow night and rain approaching from the West maybe this is what the swallows are waiting for! |
| 7-11-2011 Monday |
Good, soaking rain during the night, we also had 2 minutes of hail (very
unusual)the size of large peas, cleared today, strong north easterly wind, beautiful sunset, not a
cloud in the sky. Went to Lake Victoria viewing site, spectators had an early fly by 6pm but the
small Barn Swallow show started at 6.30pm, a strange formation, better numbers than previous
evenings of recent. Then the Barn Swallow mass split and half headed for Froggy Pond where I assume
they possibly spent the night. Still a chill in the wind. Skies clear 6.44pm. |
| 6-11-2011 Sunday |
Rained throughout the night then cleared this morning only to cloud over again at lunch time with constant rain since then. The rain is wonderful and much needed to wake up the insects (food for the Barn Swallows), this is currently happening, the ground is erupting with flying ants, a feast awaits the arriving hungry Barn Swallows. No Swallow viewing tonight due to rain. Still a chill in the air. |
| 5-11-2011 Saturday |
Barn Swallows arrived 6.20pm against a very dark grey sky, rain threatening
again, and we really need it. Barn Swallows thrilled spectators by flying through low and feeding
at very close proximity. Better Barn Swallow display than the previous 5 evenings, numbers are
climbing again but not millions, binoculars were needed. Skies clear 6.39pm 10 minutes later the viewing site was transformed into a fantasy display of fire flies. |
| 4-11-2011 Friday |
Much needed rain began to fall from 4pm so no swallow watching tonight |
| 3-11-2011 Thursday |
Magic sunset, still a chill in the air, light north easterly wind. The Barn
Swallows arrived at 6.28pm very low, were feeding over the swallow site. Very small flock
displayed, disappointing show. Skies clear 6.43pm. |
| 2-11-2011 Wednesday |
Lovely day but clouded over at swallow time with a chilly north easterly wind.
Very dark cloud over western horizon view from Lake Victoria site. Spectators were treated to a
Barn Swallow feeding frenzy on site ± 50 swallows flew low and through the onlookers, so special to
experience this. The Main Swallow display was a no show, very disappointing with only a small
flock appearing at 6.25pm. The few Barn Swallows that did show were in the reedbed by 6.34pm. The cold air and lack of heavy rainfall are possible reasons for the decline in resident swallows presently. |
| 1-11-2011 Tuesday |
Dark, overcast, south westerly wind, cold, I had 2 jerseys on! Barn Swallows had a few fly overs from 6.05pm. numbers greatly reduced from previous entries possibly due to cold weather. The few Barn Swallows massed at 6.20pm and were in the reedbed by 6.26pm. |
| 31-10-2011 Monday |
Started raining at 4pm, cold, dark, light south westerly wind, miserable outside, no swallow viewing for me this evening. |
| 30-10-2011 Sunday |
Strong south westerly wind, unpleasant, afternoon thunder and rain, dark. Watched the Barn Swallows arrive through the Umdloti river valley from my house 6.05pm. |
| 29-10-2011 Saturday |
I did not go to the Barn Swallow site as it began to rain with thunder storm approaching. Barn Swallow flocks flew low over my house and were in a hurry to get to Lake Victoria reedbed. |
| 28-10-2011 Friday |
Overcast, dark, strong south westerly wind, chilly, fine drizzle. First
Barn Swallows arrived 5.45pm, unusual display possible due to strong wind. Huge Barn Swallow
numbers, binoculars were needed to see full spectacle. Skies clear 6.29pm. |
| 27-10-2011 Thursday |
overcast, dark, cold, fine drizzle. I did not go to the swallow site as I had another appointment, I did drive past at 6.20pm and the swallows had already gone down to roost. |
| 26-10-2011 Wednesday |
Gray skies, thick cloud cover, no wind. Went to Lake Victoria and sat with groups of
tourists. |
| 25-10-2011 Tuesday |
Rained all day, dark, low cloud cover. Went to Froggy Pond to see what, if
anything was happening over this reedbed. To my amazement about 200 Barn Swallows flew over my head
towards Lake Victoria. I scanned the horizons, and no Barn Swallows, not one to see, time
6.20pm. I rushed round the corner to Lake Victoria and just saw the last Barn Swallow flock descend
into the reedbed. Spectators visiting from the UK confirmed a spectacular display was witnessed and
they thoroughly enjoyed it. Skies clear 6.23pm. |
| 24-10-2011 Monday |
Grey skies over Lake Victoria but curious spectators arrived in wait of the
evening display of Barn Swallows. Huge Barn Swallow numbers arrived 6.03pm, binoculars were needed
to maximise the sighting, brilliant display. Skies clear 6.20pm |
|
23-10-2011 |
A grey cloud hung on top of the horizon and the sun set behind it, a beautiful evening.
The Barn Swallows started arriving 6.10pm, nice mass display with over head fly overs thrilling
spectators. Awesome. |
|
22-10-2011 |
Barn Swallows arrived 6.03pm at Lake Victoria against pink sunset and still skies.
About 1 million Barn Swallows gathered and gave an awesome display, at times some flying low
through the numerous spectators on site. This is the first evening that the Barn
Swallow mass is beginning to swell and from now on the displays and Barn Swallow
numbers will become greater and more and more spectacular. Barn Swallows went down to roost 6.21pm. Skies clear. |
You are currently here: Home page > Barn Swallow Daily Log 2011- 2012
Sponsor the Barn Swallows
Find out more...
|
Barn Swallow Gift Card
Bundles |
The Barn Swallow
Capital of Kwazulu Natal
|
|