Disappearing swallows

[roobarrb]

In past summers I've had up to half a dozen swallows nests dotted in various outbuildings. This year, however, there has only been one. The chicks hatched but disappeared overnight, so I think crows probably got them. Has anyone else noticed a decline in swallow numbers this year? Summer just isn't the same without them.

[nigel_b]

I haven't noticed a decline in numbers here in Dorset.

[bee warrior]

Im pleased to report they still appear to be doing well where I am in North Yorkshire! I suppose local populations will be subject to some degree of fluctuation for any number of reasons.

I do think insects (as a food source for so many birds and bats) are being overlooked in terms of exploring declining populations of birds (or bats). I remember when I was younger, sometime ago now I accept, but the windscreens on cars would be covered in insects after a drive, but no more. I hope they are back next year.

[faz]

still flying about in south devon not so many but still here

[thebeard]

the trent valley was positively swarming with swallows this year, although thanks to the gravel pits, sand martins were most notable.

[bobbarber]

Originally Posted by roobarrb

In past summers I've had up to half a dozen swallows nests dotted in various outbuildings. This year, however, there has only been one. The chicks hatched but disappeared overnight, so I think crows probably got them. Has anyone else noticed a decline in swallow numbers this year? Summer just isn't the same without them.

My numbers of Swallows are down this year as well. I normally get about eight or more , but this year it was down to three individuals.I put it down to bad weather conditions, or hopefully that they made a stop-over in the U.K....Bob

[JoulesH]

Our swallows just as plentiful as ever, several nests still active with young still in or being fed in the buildings. I agree Roobarb, summer would not be the same without them - we usually end up with gatherings of 100+ on our wires before they depart. Have there been changes local to you eg have any dairy farms gone out of cows? Insect populations are so important to them and there was a BTO survey a few years ago that highlighted the strong link between swallows and grazing livestock (ie the insects). I remember chatting to the late Chris Meads on the same topic, he was delighted to hear we still had a dairy farm with loads of swallows as he heard many reports of the cows going and then the swallows not coming back.

[moozy]

I would say the numbers have increased this year and they seemed to have had a good breeding season in the northeast, But its intresting to see such contrasting numbers from different areas of britain.
I think the increase in numbers up here might be down to the humid summer (the vast numbers insects, food source).
Maybe next year here at WAB we could a concensus to see whats happening nationwide.

Please excuse the spelling i had heavy night

[roobarrb]

Joulesh, you are absolutely spot on. A large farm near my house gave up its dairy herd last winter. The old farm buildings are being turned into a housing complex of ten posh homes - such a shame that this is already apparently having an impact on local wildlife here in rural Lanarkshire.

[rossy]

if you can log onto countryfile bbc .co.uk. and the show they had on 15 , 8 . 10 there you will find some intresting stats of birds, that have been done, and how with help from a chap and the rspb certain birds are increasing, hope this helps. rossy.