On February 14th during a walk around a local patch at Al Hayer, 20km south of Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) I visited a site where mud nests similar to those used by Swallows were seen.
On entry into the building I noted that most of the old nests had been destroyed but there was some evidence of them being rebuilt and three appeared to be in use. I waited around and within a short time these were occupied by sitting birds with regular visits from their partners. Repair work was also noted on some of the damaged nests.
I returned the following weekend Feb 21st) and in total there were 6 nests in use or ready for use and I was able to get access to one and got some shaky images of eggs. I attach a few photos on my main blog
irishbirderabroad.blogspot.com
as I can't get them to fit in this blog, feel free to take a look.
I have sent this evidence to the appropriate authorities and to their knowledge ths is the first difinitive evidence of Barn Swallow Breeding in the area. I will write up a formal report later in the season once I have gathered further info relating to egg numbers, success rate, etc.
On entry into the building I noted that most of the old nests had been destroyed but there was some evidence of them being rebuilt and three appeared to be in use. I waited around and within a short time these were occupied by sitting birds with regular visits from their partners. Repair work was also noted on some of the damaged nests.
I returned the following weekend Feb 21st) and in total there were 6 nests in use or ready for use and I was able to get access to one and got some shaky images of eggs. I attach a few photos on my main blog
irishbirderabroad.blogspot.com
as I can't get them to fit in this blog, feel free to take a look.
I have sent this evidence to the appropriate authorities and to their knowledge ths is the first difinitive evidence of Barn Swallow Breeding in the area. I will write up a formal report later in the season once I have gathered further info relating to egg numbers, success rate, etc.