House and Sand Martins

Jaeviatrix · #1 (**permalink**) 18-04-2010, 09:09 PM

Where are they all? I haven't seen any and my book suggests March or April for the sand martins arrival, I believe they are usually one of the first of the season. I've seen plenty of swallows but none of these. We usually have breeding sand martins at the local place where I volunteer, but I have yet to see a single one, and so, last time I spoke to him, has the warden. I know House martins are usually later so we still have them to look forward to, but did the sand martins buy airline tickets this year?

Anyone else having similar experiences?

david156 · #2 (**permalink**) 18-04-2010, 09:20 PM

Its a weather thing. The winds in the wrong direction. Wait till the wind starts coming from the south and there will be an influx of migrants.

Have seen a few Sand Martins on the Norfolk and Suffolk coast but haven't seen a house martin yet.

David

aeshna5 · #3 (**permalink**) 19-04-2010, 04:24 AM

They've got c 45 Sand Martins at the London Wetland Centre at the moment + I saw a similar number at Minsmere on Saturday.

Jaeviatrix · #4 (**permalink**) 19-04-2010, 08:46 AM

That's a bit concerning, I was really hoping to see them at this site, it's been pressured by development over recent years in the local area, I hope they haven't simply decided not to come back to that site at all

rossy · #5 (**permalink**) 19-04-2010, 10:03 PM

still time for the sand martins spotted some coming home from work today which have returned as for house martins they nearly always appear round here at the begining of may, rossy,

thebeard · #6 (**permalink**) 20-04-2010, 09:09 AM

i've seen quite a few in nottinghamshire already though still quite localised. they'll come!

thebeard · #7 (**permalink**) 20-04-2010, 09:10 AM

first i saw were on the 1st of april

Stinky Bob · #8 (**permalink**) 20-04-2010, 09:20 AM

Two arrived last night and have started to use one of the old nests, this leaves 4 more nests on the back of the house, two have been commandered by House Sparrows, there is definately going to be some argey bargey for the 2 remaining nests with the Sparrows hanging around trying to scare of the HM's, last year one of the neighbours cats would lie in wait on the roof trying to snatch a HM but fortunately it has since been run over - such a shame (NOT).

RJG1952 · #9 (**permalink**) 20-04-2010, 10:09 AM

Loads of Sand Martins in South Yorkshire/North Notts border area since 2 weeks ago. Saw first House Martin on Sunday 18th and first Swifts(4) yesterday 19th.