FINAL FAREWELL FROM THE SWALLOWS?

The lowest weather pressure system seen in Britain in September for over 30 years has brought chaos to many parts of the UK, particularly northern England.

Major flooding affected the roads and countryside around my home and garden, at one point making the house impossible to get to.

After three days of rain, torrential at times, the garden resembled a sodden marsh, even the snails and slugs seemed to be disturbed by the weather.

One thing I didn’t expect to see was what greeted me earlier this week. Below is an image of about 25 swallows swooping over a partially flooded field, chattering away in excitement to each other as they chased insects for breakfast. (see below)

 

I did notice that many were youngsters with their tail feathers not quite as long as the adults, so presume they were either a late brood or had been delayed by the recent storm system.

Whatever their reason is was a wonderful sight and I hope they all make it to the warmer climes of Africa and some slightly less damp conditions.

I was then immediately brought back down to earth as I faced another tricky day of negotiating the flooded lane that leads to our house.

 

Part of the lane was turned into a river as the small stream that normally sits alongside it spilled over as it failed to cope with the rainfall, eventually creating a river by using the lane as a path to travel along.

 

The lane is now back to normal, apart from the huge amount of debris carried by the flood water, including branches, rocks, litter and mud.

I’m still not sure how wildlife has been affected close to me, though Cheshire Wildlife Trust did say they hoped the population of water voles had kept safe.

It goes to show even those who live in and around water are in danger when flooding occurs.

I suspect flying creatures like butterflies and moths have suffered, particularly the former as I’d seen plenty of them feeding only a few days previously.

But wildlife does have a habit of bouncing back from natural devastations so while the short term for many might not be good, I suspect long term many will use next year to reclaim any losses in 2012.

I’ll now be keeping an eye out for some more straggling swallows, but also for other wildlife to see what the storm has done.

SO LONG SWALLOWS, SEE YOU NEXT SUMMER?

The swallows are still around; well yesterday I saw a pair gliding in the evening air, snapping up insects in daredevil moves, some just inches above the ground.

A few days ago there was almost 20 gathering together, so I can only assume that the last two are parents looking for any stragglers to help make the journey to Africa.

I suspect I won’t see any more after this weekend, well until next spring. They are one of my favourite birds, probably in the top two, so I thoroughly enjoy seeing them, albeit for only five months of the year.

My only concern is they come back next year and were not put off by our lack of summer this year.

In the garden my tomatoes are suffering with the cold weather overnight, even being hit by a slight frost last night.

I’ll still be collecting some for consumption but know the time will soon be upon us when the plants will succumb  to the weather and lead me to thinking of next season for planting seeds.

The butterflies were around in numbers with the sunshine of the last couple of days, making the most of any late summer, early autumn nectar supplies. Some flew away when I went near them, while others (see below) seemingly posed for the camera!

 

The snails and slugs are still out in force in the evenings, especially when it rains, though I’m not culling them as I wait for a hedgehog or two to come and sort them out!

Most plants are showing signs of early autumn colder nights, though others are blooming, including those that are feeding the butterflies.

What changes will the garden and the surrounding wildlife experience over the next few days, weeks and months? Only time will tell, but I’ll be following and diarising what happens around me to give a logged history of wildlife in the neighbourhood.

SUMMER STARTS IN SEPTEMBER

The weather is now showing us what summer could have been like if it had bothered turning up in May, June or July. But what does it mean for the wildlife?

Well in my garden some flowers are still blooming, including gladiola, poppies and rudbeckia, so there’s been a large number of bees and butterflies each day.

At night the slugs are in decline, while the snails are seemingly hiding too as the nights become cooler. That said the last couple have been mild.

The swallows have certainly packed their suitcases, but not all have left. Just two nights ago I saw about 80-100 flying over the house and garden, searching for evening insects for a tasty treat.

I suspect the warm day weather will keep them, but it’ll be how cool it is at night that’ll prompt the full departure.

The usual mix of birds has been in the garden, although a pair of young robins seem particularly fond of spending time there.

The harvesting has begun with tomatoes now a daily fixture and just a few carrots and potatoes left.

I’m hoping the chillies and sweet peppers, most of which are still indoor, will be ready in the next couple of weeks.

So as September means we saw goodbye to our swifts, swallows and house martins, the autumn glow brings new visitors and a different time in the cycle of the lives of wildlife everywhere.

What will the cooler months bring? Our first hedgehog? The great spotted woodpeckers and little owls returning?

Will the weather bring lots of snow and the return of -25C on our car gauges? Whatever happens the wildlife will cope in one way or another, but next breeding season is bound to see extras for plenty of those who didn’t fare too well this year.

Most importantly; will be nestbox camera be able to film a new family next summer?