Re: House martins

Swift, long scythe like wings.



Swallow, long tail streamers.



Sandmartin, wings same legnth as tail.




None of these three have the white rump of the House martin, all can be seen in many habitats.

Re: House martins

I can only see two young being fed this evening. I fear the third may no longer be with us.

Nom, if that is the case will mum throw its body out of the nest? Haven't seen any sign yet.

Re: House martins

It does happen, but some get left in the nest sometimes. Plus siblings can get a bit rowdy and push another out where the local predators will pounce.

Re: House martins

Thanks. The two remaining seem pretty strong in their food demands. Their growth is visible!

Re: House martins

Better light this evening, and the two remaining seem to be growing fast. One is bolder than the other and seemed to come out to have a look at me.

Not up to Nom's standard of photos, but I'm having fun chronicling them!

Re: House martins

Nothing wrong with those,little beady eyes caught, and the gape. Attentive parent bird, they look well grown young so did a bit of research for fledging.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoveranden...n/nesting.aspx

Re: House martins

Thanks Nom. I had read that too. I'm guessing by next week they may be out and about. Will keep an eye on them and try to get some pictures if they come out.

Re: House martins

Tragedy

When I went to check on my little lodgers this morning the nest had fallen and there was no sign of young or parents. I'm feeling a little bereft.

I fear that they will not return but live in hope that another nest may be built.

Re: House martins

Thats a shame, was it built from scratch. ?

Re: House martins

Nom, last year there were two nests under my gable and these certainly had been occupied prior to when I first viewed this place in June. They came down in bad weather before I moved here in November . So this year they had to build a new nest from scratch, but on the same site.
I must say I feared this might happen as I had noticed that one side of the nest appeared to be slipping slightly.
What are my chances of seeing them again, I wonder.