Swallows gathering

[A-daisy-a-day]

To-day over the cliffs at Barton on Sea, there were dozens of swarms[?] of swallows feasting well on the many flies that were around I suppose to ready themselves for the long journey south, some looked as though they were heading towards IOW and possibly further already, or is it too soon, It gives you a bit of a pang to think that summer is really coming to a close when they depart.

[rossy]

daisy a day just letting you know 2 years ago i was in southbourne in august and house martins and swallows where gathering then . i dont think and like most other people that they have a set time going back as some go earlier than others and depending on late broods obviously they vary.if plenty of foods around and warm weather they may delay but the days are closing in now so enjoy them well you can. have you ever visited hengistbury head where there is a large clony of sand martins plus many other spieces of birds on the nature reserve ? rossy.

[rogpow]

Originally Posted by A-daisy-a-day

some looked as though they were heading towards IOW and possibly further already,

I was at Gore Cliff on the southern end of the I.W. on Tuesday and there were an estimated (not by me!) 300 house martins and 100 swallows plus a few sand martins feeding along the cliff top. An awesome sight, but sad to think they'll be gone soon. Already missing the swifts.

[A-daisy-a-day]

Originally Posted by rossy

daisy a day just letting you know 2 years ago i was in southbourne in august and house martins and swallows where gathering then . i dont think and like most other people that they have a set time going back as some go earlier than others and depending on late broods obviously they vary.if plenty of foods around and warm weather they may delay but the days are closing in now so enjoy them well you can. have you ever visited hengistbury head where there is a large clony of sand martins plus many other spieces of birds on the nature reserve ? rossy.

I was at Hengistbury Head last week actually and am impressed by the wonderful sanctuary and not far from me at Barton Cliffs going East, there's a good sized colony Sand Martins under the cliffs, I took a photo of them I'll try and upload it.

[A-daisy-a-day]

Originally Posted by rogpow

I was at Gore Cliff on the southern end of the I.W. on Tuesday and there were an estimated (not by me!) 300 house martins and 100 swallows plus a few sand martins feeding along the cliff top. An awesome sight, but sad to think they'll be gone soon. Already missing the swifts.

Went along to the cliffs tonight again and there weren't as many 'waves' of them but what numbers they are are in a feeding frenzy, I expect with this nice spell of weather there are lots of flies, they'll need them and God speed to each and every one, I hope they all come back next year, but I must say I haven't seen a lot of Swifts

[A-daisy-a-day]

[rossy]

yes i like the photos and remember it very well if you go again go along the beach to the right hand side and they had colonised quite low down . like most birds they are very active in the mornings. as for swifts once august has passed its rare to see any as they are normally the 1st to head back. got a shock when i went at 6 in the morning i was sat on the rocks and a nudist came so i stood up and he about turned put a towel round him. think it was nobby charlton. regards rossy.

[A-daisy-a-day]

Originally Posted by rossy

yes i like the photos and remember it very well if you go again go along the beach to the right hand side and they had colonised quite low down . like most birds they are very active in the mornings. as for swifts once august has passed its rare to see any as they are normally the 1st to head back. got a shock when i went at 6 in the morning i was sat on the rocks and a nudist came so i stood up and he about turned put a towel round him. think it was nobby charlton. regards rossy.

LOL I don't think that I'd be that interested in seeing a nudie if it meant getting to the beach by 6 am, I'm a bit past getting all of a flutter over them.
Bit puzzled, along the right hand side of the beach is the water? The area I've photographed is walking towards Milford 0n Sea. with IOW at 1 o'clock as the saying goes.

[rossy]

ok daisy a day sorry the sea is to your right if my memory is correct i think christchurch is on the opposite side or over the hill if you know what i mean. these are low down in the banks as you walk along thebeach before you get to the big cliffs. hope that helps. rossy.

[A-daisy-a-day]

Originally Posted by rossy

ok daisy a day sorry the sea is to your right if my memory is correct i think christchurch is on the opposite side or over the hill if you know what i mean. these are low down in the banks as you walk along thebeach before you get to the big cliffs. hope that helps. rossy.

LOL no, Christchurch is behind me, In the photo I am walking towards Milford on Sea the cliffs in the photo are below Barton on Sea