Our resident swallows

A pair of swallows took residence in one of the buildings here at the beginning of June and promptly filled the nest with a clutch of chicks. Both WR staff and customers alike had to avoid being divebombed as the parents shot in and out feeding their noisy young.

Then last week disaster struck when we came in to find the nest had been attacked (possibly by a cat or magpie) and the chicks gone. All went quiet, although the two adult birds continued to visit.

We were pleased to see this morning that not only had one of the chicks survived but had fledged and was participating in flying lessons around our yard!

Hopefully, these birds will continue to nest here and visit us again next year. Watch this space for 'Spring Watch' 2009........