There's been a huge reduction in house martins over the years we have lived here. When we moved in nearly 25 years ago, there was a farm next door with a jersey herd milked twice daily, the farmer sold the milk and cream which was lovely. Whilst he was still farming there were loads of martins and swallows with queues forming for the best nesting spots. Farm gone, birds more or less gone too, just a few about.
Swifts are on the decline too, but we still have a number coming to the village and screaming around like mini jet propelled planes. I'm planning to put a swift box up under the eaves as I'm aware of a number of old cottages that have been done up over the last few years which have stopped the swifts nesting in the roofs. I noticed this year the swifts seemed to be examining houses for suitable nesting sites when they first arrived. If we get the box up soon, they will have another scout round for suitable nesting places just before they depart for Africa mid August. Next year maybe I will have a happy event to report.:Happy
After a few years of not getting any Housemartins, doing changeover day and could hear chicks, thought "No way!" but took a look and ... we have a nest!!!
Our local Co-op corner shop has House Martins nesting on the store. At first just one nest but now there are 5 so I guess over the years offspring have come back there also. I kept meaning to get pics but never had my camera. Al the young have flown now, but hopefully next year I'll remember.
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