House Martins and Barn Swallows

[sue-o]

I haven't been out for quite some time due to weather and preparing for a visit from our eldest and departure for the next leg at the end of March, but I finally got out of the marina last Friday and saw House Martins and Barn Swallows flying over the Lipu marshes next to the marina. Ostia (Roma), Italy

[Bobolink44]

spring is almost here - saw a barn swallow last weekend here in Uk

[Colin Key]

We have had Barn Swallows (lots) and House Martins plus a few Red-rumped Swallows all through the winter. The Barn Swallows bred successfully in a ruin close to my house in January.

In my garden I have Blackbirds on their second brood already but more exciting is the pair of Song Thrushes which seem to be collecting nesting material; the last breeding record in the Algarve was, I believe, in 1986.

What is missing are the Woodchat Shrikes; I have not seen a single bird so far this year whereas the pair which nest in my garden have arrived on 28th February for the past couple of years and never later than 5th March. Maybe the leap-year has confused them!

Colin

[Joe stockwell]

not seen any yet but im definitely on the lookout nice to see one soon i hope, normaly first ones i see are around easter.

[andy22]

I saw a martin about to weeks ago, up at my local park!! it was flying away so i was unable to identify it!
Last year i saw a quail at the end of march (a first for me and probably the earlest record ill ever see!) The "summer migrants" are slowly returning to us, here in the uk, In a few weeks time they will be flooding through!!

cheers andy

[butor2003]

Nice morning, and a Woodpecker one, started with a Black Woodpecker, then a Green and finally two Great Spotted... Just missing Lesser and Middle to round things off... Won't even think about a Grey-headed...

Mike

[Christopher Cachia Zammit]

Here in Malta birds are passing :) Yesterday at Ghadira Nature Reserve 4 Grey herons flew over, 1 little Egret, 1 green sandpiper, some yellow wagtails and little ringed plovers in reserve...There were 3 Marsh Harriers...1 of them came in the reserve...very nice views of the bird hovering....

Regards

CCZ