Late brood of swallows

Wilma · #1 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 04:59 PM

I'm looking for some reassurance/advice about our Swallows. A few weeks ago a pair of swallows built a new nest and laid a clutch of eggs. The babies have hatched - they're probably about 8 days old now- but are still in the nest and still being fed. Will they have any chance of survival. Will they be able to migrate do you think. Should we be doing anything to help them?

tameblackbirds · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 07:04 PM

September is looking like a fine month weather wise, all you can do is cross your fingers, sure they now what they're doing. According also were about in the country you are as to what time they begin journey home

rossy · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2009, 10:19 PM

wilma dont think you need to do anything to help them they should be fine. ive seen swallows in the middle of october . the main thing is the young when they fledge they get plenty to eat as its a long journey in front of them and many dont make it and thats a sad fact . its the challenge of not only the weather , predators, also being shot at , dehydration. thankfully we dont see that so enjoy them . rossy.

Wilma · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2009, 07:37 PM

Thank you so much for your reassurance. We're up in Perthshire na dht eforecast for the next few days is fine and warm. The swallows and martins are enjoying the fields behind the garden where there are lots of flying insects atttracted to the cattle and associated cow pats! the wee ones are showing some interest now , looking over the edge of the nest and making quite a noise, so we'll wait and watch in anticipation.