MT MORELAND BARN SWALLOWS VACATE ROOST SITE 

There are no swallows to be seen at the Mt Moreland Roost. Having provided swallow watchers with some wonderful displays since their arrival in October, there were many more swallows this season than last, at the Moreland Roost for the last couple of months, the swallows are suddenly gone. While some may have indeed left for more southern roosts already, and some as we have heard dispersed into other nearby small roosts, it appears that the bulk to have moved down to the reed-beds of Umdloti Estuary.

There were hints, early in the season, that they were not entirely settled in Lake Victoria Roost as they disappeared, just before the Return of the Swallows event, into Froggy Swamp reed-bed on the north side of Mt Moreland. Previously know as the Annex which took only overspill Froggy Swamp is in fact closer to the airport. However, much to everyone’s relief they were back in the Lake Victoria Roost within days ready to show off at the event on Sunday 7 November.

Following this they seemed to settle down and we had some wonderful displays, more swallows than we had ever seen in previous years. The only disruption being that when planes went over they veered away only to come together in their groups as soon as a plane had gone. They seemed to be adjusting. Then came two rainy days with considerably cooler temperatures. The numbers of swallows dropped. Then on the night of 17 December – the night of our Carols by Candlelight event - the majority of swallows again seemed to favour Froggy Swamp. 

A couple of days passed and observation showed not only was there no swallow activity but very little activity of any sort in the Lake Victoria Reed-bed. Not a swallow to be seen, nor herons, or weavers, or bishop birds, or anything moving. Visiting swallow watchers were directed over to behind the Gazebo and for several nights we saw at least some swallows. Then by Christmas Eve there were virtually none in either reed-bed.

 All of this was recorded by ACSA’s bird detect radar which shows a whole swathe of swallows now using the reedbeds in the Umdloti River estuary. Why this movement? Is it the aircraft arriving and departing on the flight path over the Mt Moreland roosts, not only the noise, but the vortex winds left by the planes as well. If so, why did the swallows take so long to move? There are other impacts that could be playing a role such as the denuding, due to the drought, of the cane fields around Lake Victoria resulting in less insect food; possible changes in both reed-beds to the quality and quantity of stormwater coming off the airfield and from the sewerage package plant; or the changeable weather conditions.
We are awaiting feed back from the experts.

As 2011 is about to begin, we do not know if the barn swallows will return to the Mt Moreland Roost – a roost they have used for decades. The telling month will be March when those that have already moved through the roost for roosts further south return on their way back to the northern hemisphere breeding grounds. Will they stop off in the Mt Moreland roost or head for the new alternative roosts?

We urge all swallow watchers to stay in touch through our website www.barnswallow.co.za where we will post any updates. Obviously our sponsored ringing project and public ringing experiences are discontinued so we ask the public and any ringers to please contact the webmaster, Angie Wilken, directly with any reports of ringed swallows, or birds, from Mt Moreland so we can share the information both locally and internationally.  It is essential that the interest, enthusiasm and support for the swallows is maintained. By the swallows relocating locally they have demonstrated the importance of this area as a stopover point in their migration. We need to ensure as the area develops that they are protected and that all the relevant authorities are aware of the roost site changes and take due cognisance of the international concern and impacts of disturbing bird migration routes.  As highlighted by such agencies as BirdlifeSA and Birdlife International the disturbance of bird migration routes can seriously impact on bird population numbers. In turn this directly affects the biodiversity of life across our world as well as human activities such as agriculture and indeed our own health – by impacting on one life form we ultimately impact on ourselves.

For those who live in Mt Moreland, particularly those who have been so involved with the swallows, it is incredibly difficult to come to terms with fact the swallows have gone. We are deeply saddened at the loss of this amazing natural phenomenon and the joyous presence of these incredible little birds which have lived on our doorstep and with us for as long as any of us can remember.

Please keep in contact and report back on your barn swallow sightings so we may share your experiences with the all swallow watchers wherever they may be, from our invaluable contact, Risto, in Finland from where our first Mt Moreland record came, to those locally who record swallow activity. It is through sharing information that we learn and contribute to a better future .

To close, a number of people, in spite of the lack of swallows, have expressed interest in just coming to enjoy the sunset and have picnic in the country at the view-site. You are welcome. For your interest there is also a braai area at the Gazebo which, for a small hire charge, is also available to groups. You are welcome just give us a ring so we can open up for you or in the case of a braai make booking. Contact 031 568 1557.