The visiting Swallows and Housemartins (Updated)

Ralph Warburton writes: "I am not sure of this but my memory and my daily journal tells me that these summer migrants that nest in my barns and all other places generally leave our area around the 23rd August. Imagine my surprise to see them still feeding in the skies here yesterday.

"Has anyone any views on this and I wonder why they are staying with us so late in the year?"

Janet Maughan adds: "Regards the visiting swallows and housemartins – we have a family which have taken up residence at the top of a set of stairs in our barn – I was surprised yesterday to discover 4 little feathered heads pop out and shout for food – the parents were obviously still in residence. Perhaps just another indication of modern times – with children living at home for much longer!"

Shane Thomson adds: "Regarding the swallows and and house martins, could it be with the wet summer we've had, the birds have not been able to feed on insects while the rain is comming down, and therefore have not had the fat build up needed for the long journey to South Africa?"

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