The swallows arrived last April with a flourish. I couldn't help but notice their songs and aerobatics the moment they swooped in to reclaim their nests from the previous year. All summer they kept us company, singing us awake in the mornings, amusing us as they raised their families, and gobbling up every little bug they could get their beaks on.
It dawned on me yesterday morning that they were gone. Poof. Just like that. The little group that always perched on the satellite dishes and watched me do morning chores wasn't there. All their nests were empty.
When did they leave? How did I miss it? Couldn't they at least have left a note? Maybe they're planning to send a postcard from the tropics, or wherever it is they go. I'll miss the little buggers.
To see what's flying around in other parts of the sky this week, check out the links on the Skywatch home page.
would LOVE to have swallows here in the NC mountains
ReplyDeleteAww, I feel your pain! I love the birds that keep me company in our yard.
ReplyDeleteWhen we were in Italy this summer there were many Swallows at a place we stayed at in Italy. They do sing beautifully.
. . . launching into a rendition of "Bye, Bye, Birdie". I guess the only option is visiting the Bosque del Apache in a couple of months.
ReplyDeleteWe had a few barn swallows when we moved here, but after the first couple of years they all but disappeared. We enjoyed their antics and do miss them. We do have bluebirds here, usually having 3 sets of babies a season, and it's always fun watching them and waiting for the little ones to take flight.
ReplyDeleteThe ones I miss the most here are the vultures. When they go my little neighborhood alert system to problems has also gone. Usually the hummingbirds disappear about the same time and why that would be I have no idea but have thought of some possibilities.
ReplyDeleteWe have two types of swallows - the barn swallows, which I love to see swooping in and out of the barn - and tree swallows, which I often see on trail rides and when I'm walking. We're having lots of migrating birds through lately - saw a large group of flickers just the other day.
ReplyDeleteHere in the midwest the leaves are starting to turn color and the geese are gathering in their fall flocks. Many of them stay around here through the winter though.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen swallows before, but in video they look so beautiful in flight. Gosh, now I miss them, too!!
Here's hoping for a safe round trip for your swallows.
ReplyDeleteI'm always sad to know the swallows are gone--and just like you, it happened when I wasn't looking. On Labor Day weekend one swooped right over my head to grab a mosquito over the apt. pool.
ReplyDeleteVery nice post!
I love the silhouette! :)
ReplyDeleteOur birds have changed shifts as well. Since April they've done nothing but tweet non-stop, then suddenly - total silence! Now we have a new grouping of birds - bigger ones that don't make as much music, but go through TONS of the food that I put out for them!! The big ones are nice too, but I miss the little music makers!
Beautiful shots! Love the birds, know you miss them! They are indeed, so beautiful in flight!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Sylvia
Such a touching thought, that we easily know and instantly observe their arrival, but only notice their absence after a while...
ReplyDeleteSwallows are so much fun to watch. Really great shots.
ReplyDeleteI love swallows too. So perky and cheerful. And fast! Don't worry, they'll be back and they'll probably bring their friends with them.
ReplyDeleteOurs are gone too, and I hadn't missed them. The same with the mockingbird. But I have noticed he has slipped quietly away.
ReplyDeleteLove that shot of the birds on the jeep? tractor?
Really beautiful pictures, the top blue sky is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThose Swallows must have stopped by here yesterday....as I went out the door and around the corner of the house to my workshop..two almost hit me in the face as they swooped by the corner of the house.
ReplyDeleteLove to watch their antics.
Bob aka Eaglesbrother
Great silhouette for the swallows sitting on the satellite dish. Now that you mention it, I'm pretty sure the ones that hung around here all summer are gone, too.
ReplyDeleteI notice my favorite birds that frequent my bike path have disappeared too. It was quite funny as I would approach a certain tree on my ride this bird would start to call out. Of course I knew it was a whistle just for me. I should take a cue and fly south at least for the month of February. It's just not favorite time of the year. Best always, Sandra
ReplyDeleteLove the swallows and the photo!
ReplyDeleteMy redwing blackbirds pulled the same stunt some weeks ago. One night they were yelling from the tops of the highest trees, and the next not a one to be heard. They leave a big hole behind. The bluejays are doing their best to fill that hole, but it just isn't the same.
ReplyDeleteOurs are gone also. Miss them--the mosquitoes are now horrendous!
ReplyDeleteI love your silhouette shot.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry they're gone, because they make for some wonderful photographs, but if they went to the tropics... I wish they'd taken me w/ them!
ReplyDeleteHappy Sky Watching!
love the shots- i have bird silhouettes this week too! it is funny how you can miss them but not recall the moment they moved on....
ReplyDeletemagnificent images
ReplyDeleteSitting on the deck last night (yes, I'm a deck dweller) I heard a pair of hoot owls and thought about you missing your swallows. Just something to look forward to next year.
ReplyDeleteThe colours are amazing in the first shot but I love the silhouette of the second. Day is done. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThe change of season. But still beautiful skies.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Lorac - the sky is beautiful in the first shot but that second shot is perfect!
ReplyDeleteOH, NO! Mine are gone too. They managed to raise 2 clutches this summer so there should be quite a reunion next year. I hope I'm not there to see it....cuz....I can watch other swallows in another state...hope, hope.
ReplyDelete