Hi there, I’ve not spotted a swallow now at the farm for just about a fortnight or so, they hung around a little longer this year due mainly I suppose to the lovely weather we have been experiencing in these parts. It is an inevitable part of this time of the year I know, but as they depart I have to admit I am filled with the mixed feelings of not only being thankful to them for the summers entertainment they provide me, but also with trepidation at the journey they have now embarked upon. Being a bit of a soppy old sod i do feel the farms swallows and myself have something in common, which is we were both born and bred there. For as long as I can remember year on year they have returned without fail, to nest in one building in particular,which in the first instance was my fathers farm tool house where in the absence of a glass or two from the windows they could freely access and leave without a problem. They can be messy little devils though, and To that end my brother when he was running the farm, did try to keep them out by re-glazing the windows and keeping the door firmly shut at all times, but on just one occasion brother was a little hesitant at closing the door whilst entering the now newly named “Workshop” and one swooped in almost taking bruvs ear with it. Once in,there was no going back the rest duely followed to begin the process of setting up home for the summer. Times have moved on since then, and now the farmhouse is no longer home to any family member of mine, but the present incumbent was willing to listen to my stories of the swallow inhabitation, and is quite happy to leave the workshop door ajar during the nesting season as well put sheeting down to reduce the risk of the mess covering too much.
The Farm is home to quite a few visiting swallows throughout the susummer, with Martins appearing on a regular basis to join in with the swallows to perform mesmerising acrobatics whilst in the persuit of their dinner or tea. One of my most effective ways of distressing after a long summer days work is to sit quietly at the Farm to watch the activities of my seasonal visiting friends, whether it is their constant chattering on a rooftop or power cable to watching them in the process of a refreshing I presume dust bath they are a pleasure to behold. My greatest thrill though this last August was to take a walk one evening down to the pond I had reinstated just over a year ago, and witness both swallows and martins skimming the water, either for a drink or perhaps picking off some the many insects that live there now in abundance. I did on one occasion spot some swifts over the Farm which is something of a rare occurrence these days, I know they are common place not too far away, but for me it was nice to see them over my patch. So now as autumn takes hold I’m wishing my seasonal visitors safe passage to wherever, and look forward to their return when they are ready.
Thanks for your time
bye for now
30th October 2016
