Young swallows saved by lifejacket

[Geoff F]

Another one of those strange but true stories.

For several years swallows have been nesting in the roof spaces of the Fishermen's Stores at Salcombe, S. Devon. This time it looks like either the nest has collapsed or they have abandoned it. They have dropped onto a lifejacket which was sticking out from a shelf.

The adult birds are still coming in and feeding the chicks regularly. The store isn't in constant use but people come in and out throughout the day and the swallows just carry on as normal.

The store is owned by a fish merchant so he will probably expect them to pay rent!

It is amazing how swallows are so tolerant of people. Last Friday, I was at a local boatyard while the swallows were continually flying in and out just skimming over our heads to reach their nests in the roof space. They have been nesting there every year for at least 30 years.

[zail]

They must have been reading a health and safety manual!! Good job the lifejacket was there!

[Jason Green]

Yes, but who's get to clean it?!

[demicav]

Cute pics. I've noticed myself how tolerant Swallows are of people. I've seen them nesting in some precarious places including on top of a low beam in a womens toilet block. They certainly weren't put off by people constantly coming and going and the doors were left open all hours to accommodate them.

[ogwen]

That was lucky, hope no one needs a lifejacket
Lovely pics, Ive been to Valle Crucis Abbey where in the old monks dormitory there were quite a few families of swallows nesting, it was an almost constant stream os swallows zipping in and out of the doorway.

[vole-woman]

Fab story and pictures!

[Kayleigh]

Great pics Geoff..They do look comfortable on that life jacket.

[Geoff F]

First test flight today 05/07/08. A bit grey and windy so after a few crash landings they retreatred inside and flew around the workshop before settling on a roof beam. Then perched on the open sheltered window and watched the rest of the world going by. Still regularly being fed by the adults.

Only had a short lens with me, but managed a couple of photos of their big day.

[cherrybee]

What a great story and such cute photos.

[zail]

Excellent news! Glad to see their first flight was a success