Visitors returning to the Isle of Coll each year get called “summer swallows” by the island residents. Unfortunately this year we have not been able to migrate there for summer but thankfully nature is not in lockdown. This year our swallows returned in April and have paired up and got busy with the nesting season.
These photos of a swallow’s nest have kindly been sent from Kevin and Maree who have lots of swallows nesting in old barns around their house. A few weeks ago I was perched on top of stepladders looking into this nest with the eggs which looked just like plain coloured Cadbury’s Mini Eggs. Kevin has been taking phone photos of the nest as time goes on to share on this blog.
I also saw lots of swallows’ nests under the road bridge over the canal. The swallows don’t seem at all put off by the thundering noise made by traffic going overhead or all the people and bikes passing under the bridge. Here are some of my shots from the bridge.
I was worried when I heard there were to be major bridge repairs taking place soon. However most of the swallows have now fledged and there are only one or two swallows looking like they are going up to nests there now.
I spotted my first swallows this year on April 17th. Amazing to think they migrate here every summer from South Africa and Namibia covering about 200 miles a day. They feed on insects and catch them as they fly.
Swallows can be identified by their long forked tails. They like to sit around on roof tops and wires. Here they are sunning themselves on a barn roof.
If you see a swallow up close they have beautiful rust coloured faces and throats.
After summer is over they will congregate together on wires and get ready to make the long journey back to Southern Africa for another summer there.
Sarah's Wildlife Watch 