| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| Calli |
Swallow numbers seriously downUsually by this time we have many more swallows than we do this year. Our nests are on their third hatching, recent youngsters are on the wing happily depleting the pond. ( Water level is very low - I suspect the geese are wading )Is there a global reason for this depletion? It is not shortage of bugs! Gratuitous swallow skimming shots on the pond follow: 
 
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| jamanda |
There was a huge shortage of bugs when it was cold earlier in the year. And the year before was ruddy awful. |
| Calli |
And now a totally random heatwave
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| Green Rosie |
We had almost no swallows return to us last year - a few more are here this year but none are breeding 
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| sean |
Ours at work came back and have raised chicks. |
| Calli |
I don't suppose we will host much of a murmuration this year 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRNqhi2ka9k |
| cassy |
We had our first pair raise chicks this year and they've only just fledged this week. No idea if this timing would be usual for the area but they certainly wouldn't be able to fit in another 2 broods before it's time to go again.
The wagtails had their 1st brood of the year later than normal, as you might expect after the long winter and they're also insect eaters. |
| WandaBlue |
Ours seem to be doing okay this year. They've certainly already fledged at least one lot already and we do seem to have plenty of flies for them to eat too. Our heatwave has reached all of 17.8 deg. C (this is hot for here!). |
| paul1963 |
Avoiding the obvious (bad taste) jokes, we've noticed reduced numbers too, and also Martins and to a lesser degree Swifts so far this year. |
| paul1963 |
And now a totally random heatwave |
Nice pics BTW
