My wife managed to catch these House Martins on video, which were preparing for their very long flight back to South Africa. Every so often they have a mad half hour and dive bomb the road outside the house, in between sitting on the electricity lines. It’s fabulous to watch and it looks like this was a final goodbye.
Sparrows Aren’t Happy
You don’t see these birds in the cities, come to think of it, you don’t see many species of birds in the cities. So you can imagine our surprise when we moved here and discovered a nest in the eaves of our roof. Our neighbour tells us that the same birds come back to the same nest, year after year and usually around May 2nd. Apparently, the Sparrows are not too happy with them and we have seen them feuding over nests. I suppose it’s a territorial thing.
It’s just great to be able to watch these birds….
Fascinating To See Them…
This summer has been lovely with so much sun, it has enabled us to spend many an hour in the garden watching these fine birds. Fascinating to see them swooping low over the road and presumably finding the food they need, mainly insects. They never seem to rest, either. From the first light in the morning until it’s too dark to see in the evening, these industrious little birds never stop. To me, it seems as though they work in pairs, back and fore to the nest.
Working To A Rota?
Another strange thing appears to be when one bird enters the nest another bird will leave, as though they are working to a rota. I hope you’ve enjoyed the video. It’s a shame to keep it to ourselves. We count ourselves so fortunate to see this sort of thing on a daily basis and to be able to capture it for posterity. It’s gone very quiet now the House Martins have finally left. Still, there’s plenty of Sparrows, Black Caps, Blue Tits and the Robin to keep us company until May next year.
For more information on House Martins click here.
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Dave Kingsbury
September 4, 2018Lovely video and accompanying notes – birdwatching one of life’s great pleasures!
admin
September 4, 2018Thank you, Dave. Yes, I have never been so engrossed in watching something.
rugby843
September 4, 2018Very nice. I envy that countryside!
Trev Jones
September 4, 2018Thank you, Rugby. Yes, we are very fortunate to be able to live here.
Photography Journal Blog
September 7, 2018Very cool that she caught them on video.
admin
September 7, 2018Thank you, yes it was a great opportunity that she was able to do that
lifelessons
September 9, 2018What a beautiful and tranquil video. Where do you live? Watching this was like a meditation.
admin
September 9, 2018Thank you, Judy, so pleased you enjoyed the video. We live in Wales in the county of Powys.
luisa zambrotta
October 12, 2018Beautiful video!
admin
October 12, 2018Thank you, Luisa