House martins

I've got house martins back nesting on my gable They came late this year, I guess due to the cold weather, but built the nest in no time and I think mum is now sitting. Beautiful birds to watch.
Just in case anyone else has some nearby, the British Ornithology Trust wants volunteers to observe nesting habits - very easy to record online.
I'll try to get a picture when mum pops her head out.

Re: House martins

Yes ive noticed that they are late this year, but have started to arrive in numbers just this last week.

Re: House martins

Mine came back about two to three weeks ago Nom. Watching them rebuild their nest (last year's got washed/blown away by the weather) was a delight.I gather they are in decline in parts of the UK, although I don't know if that also applies here.

Re: House martins

.A lot to do with migration routes, some weather pattens create blockages on the continent, hence slowing or preventing migration, i hope you can grab a photo, not one ive managed yet.

Re: House martins

Oh dear. If you haven't got a photo yet it doesn't bode well for me getting one!

Re: House martins

There are now at least three young visible intermittently at the nest entrance. This morning there were four adults flying around the nest area. At least two were feeding the young. Is it known if other adults come to help with feeding?
No photos yet. I'll try to get a chance to sit out with the camera for a spell if the weather permits, but they're fast moving blighters...

Re: House martins

Yes its known as House martins can have up to 3 broods, so fledged young can help and they have colonies that are occupied from year too year.

Good luck with the photos.

Re: House martins

Thanks Nom. But I'm pretty sure that this is the first brood this year, certainly the first from this nest. So if it's not fledged young helping out are you saying that it is help from members of a colony?

Re: House martins

It may well be offspring from last year, or even some that are yet to form a pair. Im guessing the young in the nest calling may well cause a feed me reaction in other martins.

Re: House martins

Interesting, thanks.