Swallow Returns

A swallow has arrived and taken up residence in the nest in the porch. I'm hoping it's the male of the same pair who built the nest last year, but I don't think I can check! It's almost certain to be a male (they arrive first), and I've been hoping to see him for the last week or two. On Monday evening I spotted a couple of swallows on the drive home, for the first time, so presumably the birds are arriving in the area.

With a little luck, his mate will get back soon, and they'll get a clutch of eggs laid soon. Last year they seemed to be a bit late, and we never saw any fledglings.

Newly arrived male barn swallow (© Ian 2012)