Where are the house martins?

[pamf]

I live in Cowal, Argyll. The house martins arrived in my neighbourhood last year on 19 April. I haven't seen any at all so far yet this year . I have seen one swallow (and, interestingly, they didn't arrive until 2 May last year). I looked up the BTO bird track graphs and the numbers of house martin sightings seem to be lower this year. Is there a specific reason for this? Every year I worry that they've all been trapped/shot in Malta. I won't relax until I see them arrive back.

[aeshna5]

I saw my first 2 on Saturday from a coach. There's still time yet, though they have sadly declined in recent years.

[watsthat]

I`d like to know more about house martin numbers. I think they are usually seen before swallows and although I did see some on 28th March this year, they didn`t reappear until today. Whereas swallows are around in reasonable numbers. Last year was similar my first house martin was on 28th April.

Pete

[colincurry]

They have been here in South Cambridgeshire for around a couple of weeks mostly out in the countryside but they are now moving into the villages. I spent a couple of wasted hours yesterday and today trying to photograph them flying overhead from our garden - dizziness and frustration! It keeps me out of mischief; thank goodness for digital, I could not afford such wastage with film.

I have also seen a couple of swifts over our garden.

Colin

[ChrisJB]

The ones on our street were earlier than their average date this year, back on the 15th. The average is the 20th April. I eagerly await the first swifts now.

Regards, Chris

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by watsthat

I`d like to know more about house martin numbers. I think they are usually seen before swallows and although I did see some on 28th March this year, they didn`t reappear until today. Whereas swallows are around in reasonable numbers. Last year was similar my first house martin was on 28th April.

Pete

Swallows normally appear before House Martins, but after Sand Martins, but as ever there are often exceptions!

[gecko]

There are usually 2 or 3 breeding pairs near here, but none have arrived this year, as of yet. I'm hoping they'll be here in the next few days...

[wildmanofthewoods]

Where are the House Martins?

They split up years ago, one became Fat Boy Slim, a couple of others formed the Beautiful South.

Sorry couldn't help myself

[Ferret]

Saw loads last week along with Swift, Alpine Swift, Sand Martins and Crag Martins, I was visiting the south of France, they where obviously still migrating and the weather until the later part of last week was not that different from here so perhaps they have been held back there. Also watched House Martin and Swallow skimming over the still considerable snow in the passes threw the Alps, so I think a lot of them are still on there way.

[pamf]

I'm pleased to report that there are now 2 house martins buzzing about overhead. Still a little late and rather few, but I'm feeling more hopeful now.

As for this:

They split up years ago, one became Fat Boy Slim, a couple of others formed the Beautiful South.

Oh har har. Next you'll be telling me where the Flock of Seagulls went.

[gecko]

Finally the house martins that nest nearby have arrived back. A bit later than expected, but good to see them

[tich007mt]

Here are a pair taken a couple of days ago nesting under the eaves of a cottage adjacent to a local pool. Incidentally as a beginner they were a first for me!



Cheers

Tich

[voleman]

Hi
Seen two yesterday here in herts, probably a bit later than last year, but i have seen a definate decline in recent years here, but maybe because the trees on my estate are now mature and there is less space for a good entry to fly into possible nest sites.

cheers - voleman