Swallows have been returning earlier than they did according to my Dads' diaries. We used to look for them about the 20th of April.But with climate change, they have been popping up along our hydro lines over the garden a lot earlier than that. In 2009, it was April 15. In 2010, a shocking April 4th! In 2011 they arrived on April 8, and on April 9th in 2012...
But today was their arrival date for 2014. There were about ten of them swirling about over the pasture -- which is still under quite a lot of snow. I always worry about what they will find to eat this time of year, since they feed in flight, on insects. But there are some flies out and about in the grass, so hopefully they will be just fine.
Swallows grace our summer skies with their presence. They are exquisitely lovely birds, consumate and elegant fliers and we are always delighted to welcome them home. But, speaking of home, we'd better a move on -- there are nest boxes that need to be put up pronto!
I suppose they can improvise until the usual food supply is up and running, so to speak.
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