Bird Watching or Twitching in Andalucia Southern Spain
July 2007, Swallow, Hirundo rustica
The swallow is one of nature’s greatest and cheekiest survivors. Some years their numbers dwindle until they are on the point of extinction and then a few years later there are huge numbers of them. This year seems to have produced more than previous years and as a result they are nesting in places they might not normally, given a choice. This nest, as you can see, was perched on a light fitting in a, fortunately empty, house porch. The four young birds are just ready to leave but that did not prevent the adult female from dive bombing the photographer. Notice the nest itself, each ‘petal’ is a flake of mud carefully placed by the adult birds. Swallows naturally nest in caves or beneath rock overhangs, anywhere protected from weather and predators. In historical times their numbers have increased substantially due to man’s influence, building bridges, barns, houses and so on, all ideal habitats for the swallow. These young birds will be joining their parents later this year, around November, as they migrate a short distance to North Africa where they join millions from Northern Europe at the mountain oasis in the Atlas and Rif mountains. This family group, all being well, will return here next March or April. Meanwhile we will be treated to some aerial acrobatic displays. Swallows have adapted to hunting insects on the wing by developing streamlined bodies, long pointed wings and long tails. The combination gives them great endurance and manoeuvrability. Watch for them over any stretch of fresh or brackish water where they will prey on the insects that are drawn there.