Isle of May born and bred

The Isle of May swallows have done really well this year. This iis only their second year back breeding after an anbsencce of 12 years and it has been a pleasure to have their company for the summer around fluke Street. It is difficult to know why suddenly the cobnditions have been good for them, maybe more flies, maybe the warm, dry summer but whatever it is 3 pairs have prodcued 20 chicks that have fledged over the summer. The hope is that at least some of these will return form their epic trip to Africa and back to breed again next year and build a population that lasts down the years. We have rung all the chicks so if we are able to catch the adults next year we will know if they are of an Isle of May vintage.

Four chicks packed into a tiny nest, do they take it in turns to be the one on top?

With its new ring on.

In the bird bag having been ringed.

This brood were a little bigger when ringed.