Forum Topic

Swallows in Ealing's skies

I've been in the garden this pm and have seen trillions of swallows flying thru our skies - brilliant.But where do the all go?  Do some nest in the Gothic heights of our town hall?

Gerry Tan ● 6724d16 Comments

We have got them up here too Gerry. Me thinks I'll sit out and watch them wheeling about in the Evening Sunshine, as I partake of a wee dram or two. Might even break out my shorts tomorrow if it gets much warmer.It is 21.8C, 71.2F in old money at the moment.

Colin Vaughan ● 6723d

I think you are probably watching swifts but a most enjoyable sight all the same.

Peter Wright ● 6723d

Walked to Brentford last night from Hanwell, failed to notice any swifts or swallows but lots of wabbits and the heron is at its usual haunt at the top of one of the weirs along there.Talking of weirs, we went to The Weir pub in Brentford, charged us over £7.00 for a small glass of wine and a pint of lager (and no free nuts on the bar). Slip a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses into a cool bag next time I think.

Peter Wright ● 6721d

Heron waiting for baby ducks no doubt. He'll eat anything!

Colin Vaughan ● 6721d

Speaking of pubs Peter, our family(six of us) had a great lunch last Saturday at Hanwell's Viaduct pub, near your neck of the woods.  I'd never been before and was so impressed at the excellent food - will go again, an unexpected pleasure at a good pub. And nice Polish staff there too.  ;-)

Gerry Tan ● 6721d

How do you tell the difference between swallows, swidts and house martins please?

Barbara Yerolemou ● 6719d

swallows - http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/swallow/videos.aspswifts - http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/s/swift/videos.aspother birds - http://www.rspb.org.uk/youth/learn/migration/stories/index.asp

Peter Wright ● 6719d

I didn't find those videos very helpful, but some of the still photos on the RSPB site are more useful to help distinguish between swallows, swifts and martins:  Swift  Swallow  House Martin  Sand Martin

Richard Jennings ● 6719d

Thanks Richard, you're a real gem for posting such clear and simple info - most helpful. I've noticed this in all your many postings; you seem to get right to the point and your facts and opinions are always informative and interesting. Thanks again.

Gerry Tan ● 6718d

Just what is the reason for the decline of the house sparrow though. Not that long ago they were so common and it was the swifts that you saw infrequently, now the house sparrow is on red alert.

Peter Wright ● 6718d

Sad isn't it?  My wife and I are quite keen bird observers in our little garden and we've only seen a few this year, whereas there seem to be trillions of tits of all sorts. We like the old sparrows 'cos they're such ordinary friendly little creatures. :-(

Gerry Tan ● 6718d

For years, we had something like a hundred sparrows roosting in our ivy on the house overnight, then the sparrow hawk or kestrel, not sure which, started to visit, within two weeks the sparrows had all gone and never returned.

Peter Wright ● 6718d

Did you see the article in a newspaper yesterday, I think The Times, which said that the British tits were more adaptable than the Dutch ones and that's why we have more of them?  That is a good point Peter about the sparrow hawks etc.  I wonder if that is the reason for the scarcity of sparrows.  Although I have a pair of dunnocks, I think they are, bobbing about in my garden, which look very like sparrows but are more shy.

Barbara Yerolemou ● 6718d

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4686136.stmThere's a very large flock on the newish nature reserve at Judge Heath Lane Hayes,hopefully they'll spread.

Tony Wood ● 6718d

"I have a pair of dunnocks, I think they are, bobbing about in my garden, which look very like sparrows but are more shy."The main difference between a dunnock and a female house sparrow is that the dunnock's beak is much slimmer.Dunnock: House Sparrow: Photos © Malawi Cichlid HomepageGerry:  Thanks for your kind words.

Richard Jennings ● 6718d

Wonderful tip, thank you.  I shall know what to look for.

Barbara Yerolemou ● 6716d