Swallows arrive for the summer
We have been away in Dorset for a week, so were delighted to find that the first of our migrating Swallows have arrived. According to Graham next door at Woodhill Farmhouse the first two arrived on 8th April and others have been joining them since.
Every year these summer visitors make an epic five thousand mile journey from their winter quarters in southern Africa to build their nests in the barns around Woodhill.
Woodhill Farm has several regulars that return to raise their families in their barns each year. We have only had one pair of swallows raise their young in the barn at Woodhill Cottage back in 2006, but they have not returned since. I have concluded that this is because of the small ledges on our barn’s beams. So this year I have put up some ready made nests – luxury vacant possession for a lucky pair of swallows. Click here for pics.
Swallow nester in the barn at Woodhill Cottage
The swallows are a delight to watch skimming the water of the lake in front of Woodhill Cottage and Farmhouse. They are very welcome visitors and mark the start of Spring. The last of our swallows departed for their winter home on the 28th September last year so we are very pleased to see them return.
I will update the site with news on the swallow nesters so keep checking for updates.
