Swallow (Hirundo rustica), House Martin (Delichon urbicum) and Swift (Apus apus) are seen skimming over all of the Wildlife Site fields, the pond and the scrape during the summer months, usually in loose widely spaced groups.
Swallows arrive from Africa in April. One or two pairs have nested in the barn at Downlee Lodge, but not since 2019. They feed over the fields during the summer and gather on the power lines at Downlee Lodge in large numbers prior to departing for warmer climes in late September. Adult swallows are sometimes seen collecting mud from the scrape at nesting time. Fledged young are often seen during the summer perched the power lines and on fence wires around Fields 3, 4 whilst being fed by adults.
House Martin have shorter tails than swallows and noticeable white rumps and lack the swallows red face. They do not nest at Downlee Lodge but are seen flying and feeding over the fields and pond here, sometimes with swallows. House Martin are Amber listed birds of Conservation Concern.
Swifts lack the white underparts of Swallows and House Martins and have longer scythe shaped wings and short tails. They are seen feeding on the wing over all of the Wildlife Site fields but less frequently than Swallows. Swift are Amber Listed.
Photographs of Swallows Martins and Swifts
Click on the photograph for larger images and captions.
Further Information
For further information on the species in this group, please click the links below:
Swallow House Martin Swift
