Report information
Location: Mendip Hills, Somerset, South-west England
(nest site 982 feet above sea level).
It is no surprise that only two chicks have made it to fledging age; as we have experienced almost constant north-westerly winds and higher than average rainfall throughout May and June – the type of weather that keeps flying insects well and truly grounded. This has been highlighted by the almost complete lack of Butterflies this year.
Feeding visits from the parents have now reduced to just 2 or 3 per half hour, as the young get close to fledging, and it is interesting that the pair has been joined in the skies by three additional adults; probably singletons that have not managed to breed themselves this year. They are tolerated to a point, but just when you think there’s harmony you will witness a dramatic chase between 2 or even 3 of them; usually triggered by one straying too close to the nest. The chase takes place low over the nest building and surrounding grass paddocks, and is the most dramatic and breathtaking aerial display to witness. Their manoeuvrability and speed beats the Peregrine Falcon hands down, and they really can turn on a sixpence.
When the chips are down though, all five adults seem to be as one, with the common aim of defending the nest. Perhaps the singletons are birds that fledged from this very nest last year? Or perhaps they just feel the need at this time of year to protect and raise young? Whatever their reasons for hanging around they always join the parent birds when a threat approaches the building that houses the nest. Just 5 days ago the home owners witnessed all five birds dive-bombing their cat as it walked too near to this building. They cannot be certain whether actual contact was made, but the Cat has completely avoided the area since that day!
By the end of this week these two young Swallows will be on the wing. They will stay around for a while; being fed by their parents whilst they perfect their own flying and hunting skills, but it will be really interesting to see whether the parents manage to rear a second brood before heading back to Africa in the Autumn. This will, of course, be governed by the availability of food, and whether they are able to sufficiently replenish their body condition in time to lay another clutch and rear the chicks by mid-September; when they left this site last year.
I would be really interested to hear how Swallows are doing in your area. Are they raising similar sized, smaller or larger broods than last year? Do you live in the North West, where talk has been of a long period of dry weather? If so, what differences have you noticed this year?
Please post comments and your observations here.
Many thanks,
Chris Sperring
Further reading:
Chris' next report: Swallows prepare for southward migration
Chris' last report: What happened to the Mendip Swallow earlier in the year?
Visit Chris' website here.
And if you are interested in twinning your school with an African school that also welcome Swallows, visit World Class.