Housemartin migration

[Kit]

For the past 5 or 6 years we've had housemartins under the eaves. Where do they go when tehy're not living at our house? And when are they meant to go - ours were still in the nest up till the weekend (may still be there - haven't checked for a day or two) - have they missed their bus home?

[Haitch]

Simple - Africa. Not sure what part but I think it's fairly far down the Western coast.

[Cetti]

First of all Kit you're very lucky to be chosen as a nesting site - the fashion for UPVC cladding has made it impossible for birds to find anywhere suitable to bring up their families. Don't worry about the timing, the birds know exactly when to leave - migration is still a great mystery but apart from a few stragglers in October most will have left by the end of September. The feeding frenzy that takes place in the skies ensures that the majority will be strong enough to make the long journey to Europe, across the Sahara and on to Africa where they stay until the return journey - back to your house!

[Kit]

Thanks, Haitch and Cetti. Good to know that they're not too late to leave - I did worry because the swallows next door left a few weeks ago. I will remind myself how lucky I am to have them as I climb up onto the extension to hose the wall down... next question is can you get nappies to fit them?!!

[Cetti]

Be thankfull it's not an Albatross ;-)

[Kit]

LOL Cetti!