Look who came to say 'Hello' this afternoon

[Cetti]

http://i2.tinypic.com/1zqdg5z.jpg

Isn't this just the sweetest little face?

[naz_nomad]

Wazzit? ...a house-martin?

[allotment10]

absolutely! so sweet, :-)

[shaneystar2]

What a lovely picture Cetti....glad you are back on AB again ..thought we hadn't seen you around for a while in the birdie threads.
How on earth did you manage to get that picture !

[Cetti]

Hello shaneystar, Yes, my thoughts of leaving AB for good lasted about 3 weeks!

My son spotted this little chap in the road as he was getting out of his car. Being an aerial only birdy he made no attempt to fly and just sat in his hand and practically fell asleep.

http://i1.tinypic.com/1zqppbb.jpg

Here's a shot that will reveal his identity. My husband took him upstairs and threw him out the window. The next minute him and his mates were screaming round our house by way of thanks!

[Foxybox]

Hate to be the pedant, but I think thats a swift naz_nomand, not a house martin.

[Foxybox]

PS, never seen one at ground level before. Am very jealous Cetti.

[lindapinda]

What a great pic Cetti!..Trust you eh? Glad to see you back !

[applebee]

Oh....what precious little dears

[heathfield]

Awww! Yep, it's swift. Not easy to see in the pic, but they have eyelashes in front of their eyes that act like a windshield. Super pic, Cetti.

[horsestache1]

Fantastic Pic, I'm sooooo jealous

[Cetti]

It is a Swift - aren't those scimitar wings just amazing?

Never having seen one at ground level either we first thought he was crippled as he kept falling over on the grass...we then realised their feet are not made for walking as they spend their whole life in the air... so are unformed. Left on the ground he would die for sure as they don't have the power to take off.

I wanted to share this with you all as I know it would be appreciated.

[heathfield]

I looked into putting up nesting boxes for swifts, but the recommendations are for a minimum 14 foot clear drop to allow the youngsters to take flight without hitting the ground. My house didn't have the height. If they do crash-land, it's very nearly impossible for them to get airborne on their own.
Well done!

[heathfield]

P.S. They've been known to live for an amazing 21 years! Must be all that fresh air! ;-)

[Cetti]

Wow, that is a long time heathfield!

Just think, that tiny little body will soon be heading for Africa. At least all the bugs in the feathers will provide instant snacks for the journey. Still cute, though!

[pappasmurf]

Whoever owns the hand in the picture could probably benefit from a little moisturising cream.
Just an observation.