3 seen Swallows in Scotland today

FUDGEY · #1 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 11:58 AM

You wouldnt believe it, latest ever sighting at Caerlaverock WWT.

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 12:09 PM

Were these Alpine or Pallid swifts? I'm not much of a birder, but assume these to be likely contenders during autumn/winter.

Shrike · #3 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Green

Were these Alpine or Pallid swifts? I'm not much of a birder, but assume these to be likely contenders during autumn/winter.

There was swifts sp seen in wrexham-north wales today , not sure if they were alpine , pallid etc i'll post on here if i find out.
very late for swallows though

FUDGEY · #4 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 01:14 PM

Not sure Jason got the info here... Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) - Latest Sightings

david156 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 01:19 PM

There has been a few swallows reported on RBA and also and odd one or two red rumped swallows. A couple of weeks ago there were a couple of swift species reported on the Norfolk coast and a bit of an argument on whether they were common or pallid.
The weather has been nice and calm and warm for them but i'm thinking they will be heading south now its getting a bit chilly and food will be getting scarce

RoyW · #6 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 01:22 PM

This is a late date for Swallows but it is not completely unprecedented. There have been later dates recorded for Swallows, even as far north as Scotland.

It is likely that these were Swallows rather than Swifts (of any species) since that is what they were identified as. Swifts are actually very distinctive if you have any birdwatching experience, and anyone without experience would be unlikely to claim Swallow in December unless they saw them extremely well - everyone knows that Swallows are 'summer' visitors!

Many sightings of "swift species" seen in late autumn/winter aren't ever identified to species, but the bulk of those that are tend to be Common Swifts (perhaps including some of eastern races), with Pallid & Chimney Swifts also fairly regularly recorded late. Alpine Swifts are often seen early in spring but I'm not aware of many late records.

Jason Green · #7 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 01:27 PM

Oh dear... of course, it said swallow not swift! Back to the Alticines with me...

Shrike · #8 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 01:27 PM

I posted a post prior to jason about swifts been seen as well as reported swallow today and then my comp crashed and post had disapeared , dont know if it was this that caused the confusion to the thread

Jason Green · #9 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shrike

...dont know if it was this that caused the confusion to the thread

...no, just me causing the confusion to the thread, only me

As you all were

RoyW · #10 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david156

The weather has been nice and calm and warm for them but i'm thinking they will be heading south now its getting a bit chilly and food will be getting scarce

Some birds this late in the year may attempt to over winter in the UK or Europe. Most, if not all, with be 'lost' and it is unlikely that they will reorientate (though not impossible). It is 'lost' birds like these that are believed to sometimes lead to the development of new migration routes, and new wintering areas - if they find that they are able to survive, and bred sucessfully the following year.