Friday 9 May 2008

One Swallow doesn't make a summer.


Two posts today, the reason being that I have just taken these shots of a little swallow. These birds have travelled all the way from their wintering home,South Africa, to our shores. A journey of around 5,000 miles. They will grace us with their presence until the autumn...they will captivate and charm us and when the time comes, young and adults will gather in large groups to make their journey back to South Africa. I am priviledged and honoured that they choose to feed above my garden, eating insects on the wing, and entertaining me with their beautiful flights.

10 comments:

Rose said...

Are these the swallows from Capistrano? (Sorry, couldn't resist). I know there are several species of swallows. Around here we have what are called barn swallows. I remember while growing up that they actually did build nests in our barn.
Lovely flowers; have a good weekend, too, Cheryl.

Cheryl said...

I wish I had a barn for them to nest in Rose, I think they are stunning little birds.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

All of the swallows have returned to our area now. They are such active birds. I love to watch their graceful flight.

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
The Swallows are lovely.
Such a long trip they make. We have Swallows too but they do not migrate as far as yours do.
It is an honour to see them.
Thank you.
Sherry

Cheryl said...

Hi Lisa...They are just so amazing, I really love to watch them.

Cheryl said...

It is such an honour Sherry, in your heart you always wonder if they will make it back. I am always so pleased to see them.

beckie said...

The swallow is wonderful. It defies reason to think how far some birds migrate! All the more reason to have their favorites waiting for them.

Cheryl said...

I am in wonder sometimes at nature and the swallow is a good example of the wonders we have on this good earth of ours.

Miranda Bell said...

Hi Cheryl - hope this finds you having a good weekend... I love the swallows and it's always quite an emotional moment (silly I know!) when the arrive back - especially when they sit and chatter on the edge of our roof or on the telegraph wires... last year I was sat in the office which is in the oldest part of the house one day and I could hear all this chattering going on in the barn space we have next door (a part of the house yet to be rennovated) so I opened the door very quietly... there was a pair of swallows flying around from one location to another - having a little chat and flying to another - almost as if they were discussing where they were going to nest!! In the end they nested in the old stable - baby swallows how cute! I'm hoping they'll nest in there again - but they really are incredible birds - a wonder they don't get lost on their way over here! Miranda

Cheryl said...

Hi Miranda....I am with you on that completely, and I too feel emotional and it most definately is not silly. Its being in touch with the outside world and letting our most inner feeling out. Thats a good thing.
Our nest next door on their stables, how lucky are we???
Have a fun weekend, and may the sun shine on you.