Out of Africa

There is something about swallows which sets my heart beating just that little bit faster as they swirl overhead calling to each other.  My spirits soar with them as each family mingles with others as they teach the youngsters how to fly and feed on the wing ready for their return shortly to Africa. Maybe it's that joyful freedom they express as they tweet in the sky! There is also, a feeling of sadness too, knowing they will be leaving and that summer is nearly over for another year at least, which made me get out in the field today for maybe the last time to see them as they preened and exercised their wings. 


Time was we used to have 3 telegraph wires outside pulsing with the tiny birds at this time of year but their numbers, as with quite a few other things have declined dramatically. They don’t nest under our garage eaves any more or sit on the kids’ netball hoop lined up to be fed. One can’t help but wonder where it is all leading!