LAST WEEK THE SWALLOWS RETURN, THIS WEEK NEST BUILDING IS IN FULL FLOW

The wildlife certainly thinks spring is on the way as nest building is in full flow in the blue tit nest box.

It appears the house sparrows have decided to use the triple sparrow nest box, now that one of the three boxes has been vacated by the second camera.

They were happy to use the ones without the camera as soon as the nest box was erected, but after two years of no interest in the box with the camera, the ‘secret eyes’ were moved to a new nest box designed for blue tits – they have yet to show interest after a couple of years nesting outside the garden.

The original blue tit nest box has once again got a nest, having had one every year since being put up in 2007 – making it the tenth year in a row.

Unfortunately the camera signal was not working when I put this post up, but I’ll be checking daily from now on to ensure the next post has a couple of images.

The nest builders are a pair of great tits, and the nest is well on its way to being complete.

The garden will see a limited vegetable number this summer, with broad beans, chillis, tomatoes and a new one for this year – cauliflower.

Seeds will be planted this week and it is hoped the sunshine and warmth will continue, not only for the seedling growth, but the fauna.

While the current weather conditions are favourable, the outlook for the weekend is not good for growth and wildlife breeding.

THE SWALLOWS ARE BACK – 11 DAYS EARLIER THAN LAST YEAR

In the midst of some typically heavy April showers a rainbow appeared very near the garden. Rushing to get the camera to capture the moment, the noise carrying across the breeze sounded very familiar.

Looking up towards the rainbow, a familiar silhouette appeared against the darkened sky – a pair of swallows on the telegraph wire.

Their appearance is 11 days earlier than 2015 and nine days compared to 2014. Whether this earlier arrival is due to anything associated with the ‘global warming’ debacle is much too soon to tell.

It would also appear that the house sparrows are busy building nests in the triple nest box, although I have only evidence that one of the boxes is being used, I suspect at least one of the other two is too.

Unfortunately the two next boxes with the cameras in have so far proved empty of any activity, but with spring sunshine beginning to warm the air, there is renewed hope the two nest boxes will soon be filled by great and blue tits.

The small trees and bushes are also showing signs of spring life, with new leaves appearing. This is also providing cover for the small birds as they carry out courtships within the confines of the increasing amount of cover.

The cat issue continues with nightly fights being heard. I do wonder if some people think moving to the country means they can just bring in as many ‘pets’ as possible, and they will form part of the ‘natural countryside’.

It would appear this is the case because there are eight houses, six without pets, while two have at least six cats between them. There are also dogs, but they are not destructive to wildlife in the way cats are.

Time will tell, but I really hope this year’s young birds are decimated by the cats, in the same way the vole and mouse population appears to have been.

LIGHTER NIGHTS, BUT NOT WARMER DAYS

The clocks may have sprung forward, making the nights lighter for longer, but the warming up of the daytime is yet to take place.

The spring blossom is slowly disappearing from the fruit trees, but there are no signs of the garden birds starting to nest.

Neither of the nest box cameras have shown any activity, or have even been used by anyone roosting overnight.

The garden is acting like it is a trance, with flora and fauna waiting for the warmth to properly kick everything into life.

Only today has there been any significant sound of spring, with chiffchaffs singing their unmistakable song almost everywhere. It’s s lovely song to hear and ensures everyone knows spring is coming.

There has been no sign of any caterpillars recently, and the general insect life appears to below in numbers; again the spring warmth will surely bring many out.

A bee has been spotted on this lovely flower, taking a rest or possibly just struggling to get enough energy to enjoy the spring sunshine.

The long tailed tits are still making daily visits to the bird feeders, with the fat snacks proving to be the most popular.

When they stop coming to the garden will be the time I know they’ve gone to nest and spring should be firmly with us.

Until then I think everyone in the natural world will be hoping to see more of the sun and less of the grey clouds bringing rain.