This weather folklore rolls easily off the tongue and there is even some truth to it. In this case the swallows are not flying high to admire the view; instead they are chasing their next meal. On fine summers' days warm air rises upwards. Insects are also swept up in these bubbles of warmth, sometimes carried hundreds of metres aloft. Every time I've seen swallows they seem to like flying just for the joy of it. Either that or, like qyn55 suggests, we stir up insects that we can't see ourselves, like cows stirring up insects for the cattle egrets.
Could be, NP, but I've actually thought about this before and they don't appear to be feeding on the wing at such times. I'm usually there very early in the morning - at that time the air isn't rising and midgies etc. I don't think they'd be settling so calmly on the railing if feeding was their main focus though. I'd also feel better that they're interested in me and not be put on the same level as a cow. The ones breeding at my place, have not fed on the wing, the young were big enough to feed themselves when they left the nest.
But they came back for some time to sleep in the nest during the night, while one parent warmed them, and the other sat close to the nest like a look out. From time to time the young sat on fences to be fed , but not often.
When they use the nest under my car port, they don't pay any attention to me, they fly around me just like they would fly around any other object. I think they are so fast, that they don't have to worry about being caught or attacked , they are not scared of the dogs either.
They hang around the horses because of the insects though. I love that "sheer joy" scenario - they are lovely little birds! I would be very interested if you could get that video, Wendy. That said, there are many animals whose behaviour suggests to humans a feeling of sheer joy. Ah Woko, I love your sense of humour! Oh well Wendy at least the lack of Welcome Swallows now has a reason! I don't have much hair, washed or unwashed.
Alison has seen how short it is. You , M-L. I was at one of my usual haunts this morning and saw a swallow swoop down and look like it "took" a slightly smaller bird. Oh nos, it's taken a White Fronted Chat!!! Birds That Fly Across the Ocean. What Do Wild Birds Eat? Adaptations of the Red-Tailed Hawk. How Long Do Crickets Live? What Eats Boxelder Bugs? What Animals Eat Worms? What Happens to Wasps in Winter?
Insects That Live Underground. Why Are Dragonflies Important? Information on the Cardinal Bird. How to Attract Pigeons. Like us on Facebook. Actions Facebook Tweet Email. Tree swallows perform sky ballet known as 'murmuration' as they prepare to migrate north.
By: Matthew Scott Apthorp. The swallows will do this for about a week or so until they head back north for the summer. Copyright Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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