Since that solitary swift on Thursday, my swift count has been as follows: Friday 2, Saturday 4, Sunday 2 (so far). This is of course very cheering, but I don't recall ever seeing so many stragglers before. I wonder what is going on and when the last swift will be... Anyone else still spotting them?
6 seen today South of the Thames here in Swindon according to our local birding site; 3 high above the town at Barbury Castle on the 19th. A couple of years ago I was sitting up there with my youngest when 20 or 30 swifts came down to feed off insects rising from the pasture, and for a minute or so we were in the middle of a flock of swifts swooping and banking away at the last minute seemingly within a couple of feet of our heads and their screeches coming at us from all directions. Quite a scary experience in a way but one you didn't want to end - and one neither of us has forgotten. A precious shared experience.
ReplyDeletePosting a link to the site, not for the birds so much, but in the entry for the 19th there's a picture of an Old Lady moth that might be of interest.
http://swindon-birds.co.uk/sightingsmay-aug2011.html
Pete
Here in Tarifa there are masses of them still, looking across at the Atlas Mountains and seemingly saying, collectively, 'I can't be arsed, it's too far - I think I'll stay this year'. Reason is there none.
ReplyDeletenone left here in the midlands! (and who can blame them?)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link Pete - I've always said there's more to Swindon than meets the eye! Great country all round - Richard Jefferies country, I suppose...
ReplyDeleteMahlerman - well quite - why go further south?
Worm - indeed...
One more Carshalton swift circling lazily overhead on Saturday 27 August. Still keeping my eyes peeled...
ReplyDelete