Barn Swallows Indoors

I hope that you have not thought that I had forgotten you, I was waiting for the baby swallows to hatch. They have hatched now and are tweeting away, when food is brought to them, so all is well. 

There has been a lot of activity in the village as returning swallows have been looking for nesting places, they are so desperate at this time of the year and will fly in through any open windows or doors if they have a chance. If people open their garage doors the swallows fly in so it is difficult if they start to nest and then the doors are shut!  I feel so sorry for the swallows and hope that finally they find somewhere! There has been so much interest in my room with as many as seven flying in and out, round and round the room and then perching. Normally I have only one nest in use at a time but now two are in use and a couple are looking at a third but the original pair are not very keen on the invaders and try to chase them way! It is so fascinating to watch them as they are so noisy in a lovely happy way.

My relative in Southern Spain who e mailed me to tell me that his swallows had arrived earlier than usual, told me that his babies had hatched and it was exactly at the same time as mine! Coincidentally it was the same last year.

Our Spring has been unusually warm and dry, this weather has been experienced in most of Europe. A friend from Holland wrote to tell me that swallows there were having difficulty in finding wet mud to build their nests. Another friend in England said that the house martins were having a similar problem there and suggested that interested people make muddy patches to help them! So lots of people do care for our friends.

I will contact you again when I see the babies with their heads above the nests!

Love Paula

Notice the 2 swallows on the curtains by the door on