Swallows arrive

We are grateful for the following local report:

"Swallows arrived today at Hatherton (Sunday). They are usually between the 7th and 9th of April – a day or so early this year.

"Also seen in the garden other good signs of Spring: Peacock and Brimstone butterflies, fresh awake from their winter hibernation as adults.

"Bees are pollinating the gooseberry flowers, on which we saw the 7 spot ladybird, which is one of BBC Spring watches marker species. They are surveying the UK and want viewers to tell them when these marker species are seen for the first time."

Has anyone had earlier sightings of swallows this year?

Update: Billcarper reports on Chatbox this morning: "Saw the first swallow last Wednesday, 1st April (not an April Fool!). South Buerton."

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