A Richness of Swallows

“The swallows flew there each spring and made little mud nests to raise their babies in after they hatched. People say there used to be so many birds in the sky, it became dark while they flew over the streets to their destination. If you didn't look up, you might think it was an eclipse"

Kathryn Fitzmaurice, 'The Year The Swallows Came Early'

It seems that a group of swallows can be called a flight, a gulp, a swoop, a kettle, a herd, or a richness, which I have settled for. These were found at Hidcote Garden NT property in Gloucestershire. I might go back and buy them to put somewhere in our garden.

I'm afraid to say that around here there has been a decline in the numbers of swallows, house martins, and swifts over the last few years. When we first moved in seventeen years ago the power lines and telephone wires sagged under the weight of birds in late August time as they congregated before their migration back to sunnier climes. A thing of the past now.

I hope that you have all been enjoying your weekend and are looking forward to the week ahead. Stay safe x