House Martins in Cornwall today (1 Viewer)

[Seamoor]

Went to Par Sands Cornwall Nr. to St. Austell, today, and they have a pond there with Swans Ducks, geese etc. I was amazed to see about 10 house martins skimming across the pond, this was about 4.30 this afternoon. Normally we do not see them where I live until Mid April. My husband could not believe it either. Especially as we left we have a real nasty Hail Shower which lasted for quite some time.

Is this early for them.

 

[colonelboris]

Did they play 'Happy hour again'?
I don't know of any other house martins yet, but I know sand martins have started arriving lately.

 

[Darrell Clegg]

It is early but not excessively so.

Interestingly I have had a couple of reports of House Martin in St. Austell in Dec 06

Darrell

 

[necrodeath-head]

Would the cold weather kill them?

 

[Ian Bell]

Did they play 'Happy hour again'?

Maybe,theyve been to Hull and back..!

 

[J Jones]

Would the cold weather kill them?

probably not. if they can winter (i.e. reports from december/jan in recent years), then no reason why a bit of fairly cool weather wont do them much harm - its not as if this recent weather has been a prolonged freeze with lots of snow on the ground.

Just last week there was a huge hatch of midges here in south Lincs - plenty of food knocking about, just need sheltered spots where the insects can escape the wind I guess.

 

[Stuart Watson]

Excellent - I`ve just been reporting a solo House Martin I spotted in West Lothian last Friday which I was concerned about, but now all my fears are put to rest - however, it is a little colder up here in Scotland.

Par Sands - Lovely site (with exception to the factory station)- I visited there last year in April and was fortunate enough to have really close up views of a Little Egret in the pond you mentioned - keep your eyes peeled.