Every spring Swallows arrive in Britain and the rest of Europe having journeyed from southern Africa across the equatorial rainforest, the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean. They spend the summer living off insects caught on the wing close to the ground and over rivers and lakes. They breed in mud nests built under the eaves of houses. In the autumn they gather in flocks to return once more to southern Africa. Their annual return journey is around 12000 miles and can be considered a feat of endurance for such a small bird.
Why did I come back? A Swallow contemplates a rainy Spring morning in Perthshire.
Swallows gather on a radio antenna in preparation for their journey south.
You can read about the Weekly Photo Challenge at http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/endurance/
LOL on the “why did I come back” caption!!! Lovely little bird, amazing what they accomplish. Well chosen for the challenge!
Thank you Tina – they are always an expression of summer for us in the UK 🙂
True endurance!
It’s a long flight isn’t it Sue – makes the trip on the 747 to our holidays just small beer 😉
Exactly!
The contradiction of a rainy spring morning in Perthshire but at least it beats the heat of Africa. Such intrepid travelers!
They certainly are Patti – and it’s always great to see them back in the UK each spring (although it’s usually the Swifts that we get over London).
That first photo just tickled me! So perfect!!!
(You’re able to read swallows’ minds, good for you!)
LoL Judith – more a case of reading Swallows feathers (and other birds too) – that’s the ‘I’m trying to keep warm and dry’ look 😉