Mastodawn

Our house martins fledged today. Husband saw the grand departure but I missed it. However they were soon back in their nest with parents still feeding them. I’d been so worried about them when they first started rebuilding last year’s nest as we were in another dry spell so I’m happy that they got it together. The other pair gave up on theirs and went to our neighbours (who had stickier mud obviously). First time they’ve had house martins and they were delighted. So happy endings all round.

Rí Rua, The.3d ago

@helenclayton amazing! I need to chrck the nest at work, such incredible wee birds zooming across the skies

Helen Clayton 3d ago

@mactunag the first brood of swallows around here have fledged too and they have been perched on the electricity wires. Also, swifts just screamed overhead! I didn’t think there were any around here but clearly there are.

Rí Rua, The.3d ago

@helenclayton swifts too, what a blessing to have 3 of the top fast & small birds!

@helenclayton 💕💕

Catherine Rowan Jones/Ivy Fox 3d ago

It's lovely to see a house Martin breeding success. My friend is sad: for the first time in 20 years, the martins didn't return to her neighbour's house :/

Helen Clayton 2d ago

@HederaVulpes I thought we’d lose them this year when their nest kept breaking. I’m so happy that they persevered. But also happy that a new colony might start at my neighbours now too.

Ian Turton 3d ago

@helenclayton it's great until they nest above your front door and crap on the door mat and any parcels left there

Helen Clayton 3d ago

@ianturton we have bats for that 😂

盐味斑斓叶 3d ago

@helenclayton
how sweety

@helenclayton House martins are my absolute favourite, every year I get them nesting above my living room window, right now they are doing all sorts of wonderful acrobatic flying, I suspect it won't be long until they leave.

Helen Clayton 3d ago

@JustFi they’re lovely aren’t they, so chatty. Our neighbours have a fair few swallows nesting in their barn but this is the first time they have had house martins (our refugees) and they’re so pleased. Said they’re much more sociable.

Also, morning 👋

@helenclayton Morning!

They are lovely birds, I always miss their chatter when they go.

Sarah🌳3d ago

@helenclayton Remember me saying about the house that had left their Christmas icicle lights up, preventing the house martins from returning to their old nests? Well I noticed a few martins swooping in and clinging to their next door neighbour’s house, they looked like they were considering trying there. I hope the occupants are martin-friendly, so many aren’t these days.

Helen Clayton 3d ago

@Sarah111well that’s so sad 😢. We will definitely put up nest cups to help them out.

Sarah🌳3d ago

@helenclayton May they have much success with your help 😊

@Sarah111well @helenclayton should be illegal😡

Sarah🌳3d ago

@Beedazzled @helenclayton I think its only illegal if you interfere with an active nest. Deterring them is legal. But I agree with you. A lot of councils would be in trouble over deterring gulls, which are now their mortal enemies 🤦🏻

millennial falcon 3d ago

@helenclayton awesome!