 Fledgling swallows | After three days of rain, a morning fair and bright. Storm Francis is imminent and should make landfall in the early hours of Tuesday. After so much rain there is mud underfoot on Scout Scar. Swallows skim the grass over Kendal Race Course, gathering insects. On my return, I watch them feeding their fledglings. It is three weeks since I found an earlier brood of young swallows here. |
Three weeks since I found fledgling swallows perched on a boat in the farm yard. Next day, the boat was surrounded by a flock of sheep. This must be a later brood of swallows and the timing is critical because they'll need to be strong enough for a migration flight to South Africa in another few weeks. Their food begging posture shows they cannot yet feed themselves. Their direction of gaze suggests a parent's approach. I see the adults delivering insects, do not catch them on camera but there's an insect disappearing down the gape of a fledgling. These swallows are high on a bar above a barrier wall surrounding the farm barns. I move forward slowly and come close but the fledglings are above me and I'm looking up from below. Finding them at all is uncertain. I always look but this is only the second time I've seen the fledglings being fed and for photography I need good light. Look at the colours and plumage detail. And the way shadows give a different take on the swallow tails
Swallows were rather late to begin breeding here this year. The coming of the Lunesdale Flock at the beginning of May, their grazing and their droppings would attract the insects swallows feed upon. The breeding success of swallows requires a traditional use of farm buildings, barns with access. In summer, swallows and pastoral go together.
One September, on the escarpment, I found mustering swallows with juveniles still food-begging. I wonder if the adults are still helping feed their young as they begin migration.
Swallows were rather late to begin breeding here this year. The coming of the Lunesdale Flock at the beginning of May, their grazing and their droppings would attract the insects swallows feed upon. The breeding success of swallows requires a traditional use of farm buildings, barns with access. In summer, swallows and pastoral go together.
One September, on the escarpment, I found mustering swallows with juveniles still food-begging. I wonder if the adults are still helping feed their young as they begin migration.
A day of floodlight and spotlights racing over the landscape. A few tortoiseshell butterflies on the wing. A raven calls. Flocks of goldfinch and linnet. Not only ash die back but several species of trees look forlorn.
I can find no whitebeam berries at all. There is a crop of sloes on blackthorn and guelder rose with glossy fruit and leaves showing a hint of autumn colour
I can find no whitebeam berries at all. There is a crop of sloes on blackthorn and guelder rose with glossy fruit and leaves showing a hint of autumn colour
For the magic of migration
Radio 4 Book of the week. Vesper Flights written and presented by Helen McDonald. Today, High Rise. A once-in-a-lifetime experience for her. Migration seen from a New York High Rise at night.
Radio 4 Book of the week. Vesper Flights written and presented by Helen McDonald. Today, High Rise. A once-in-a-lifetime experience for her. Migration seen from a New York High Rise at night.
RSS Feed