Although winter in Australia had not really got its act together when I left, the same could not be said for Spring - or even Summer - in Scotland. Days of bright sunshine and temperatures in the mid and high twenties. There was a consensus among all of the taxi drivers I encountered that sunshine in Glasgow was deeply unusual, and that it would start to rain soon. However, they were wrong!
The Barn Swallow - or just the Swallow as I knew it as a kid - is a true harbinger of Summer, so it seems fitting to feature this bird in my first WBW from Scotland.
The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a common and widespread visitor to the UK, and these shots were taken on the Orkney Islands, which lie 30 miles north of the 'top end' of Scotland.
These birds differ from the Welcome Swallow (H. neoxena), which is the 'standard' swallow in Australia, in a number of ways, the most obvious being the presence of a dark band between the chestnut of the chest and the white of the underparts.
This Barn Swallow is perched on top of a gravestone outside a small church on the Island of South Ronaldsay, nr. Burwick. I could get all philosophical about a bird that seems to symbolise 'rebirth' in a year atop a grave - but I'll leave you to sort that out!
And now it's over to you. Click the blue button and off you go. Cheers SM.
Love these guys! Their acrobatics are awesome!
ReplyDeleteLovely shots Stewart. I was at Mount Stewart today and found a Swallow's nest just before you enter the house however the parents both were franically flying in and out with food for perhaps 4 chicks so no chance of any decent shots. MAny thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart, pretty shots of the Barn Swallow. I am glad you were able to see this pretty bird. Thanks for hosting, Have a happy week ahead!
ReplyDeleteLovely images of the bird that heralds Summer.
ReplyDeleteThe weather in the south isn't much better with lots of rain!!
Beautiful bird with the stone and lichen. A very attractive photo series.
ReplyDeletebeautiful images of the barn swallows :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Hope you enjoyed ypour return to Bonnie Scotland Stewart. yes, the weather in the |NW was great for a few weeks but it's back to normal now.
ReplyDeleteA Swallow in Scotland, beautiful sight Stewart..
ReplyDeleteThose shots sitting on the lichen are wonderful
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures! You know it's summer when the swallows have arrived.
ReplyDeletelove these adorable bug-eaters. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love to watch those swallows zooming around.
ReplyDeleteThe Barn Swallow is one of my favorite birds..They used to swoop in front of my riding mower after the bugs that I would stir up..They also used to rob the blue bird houses..Nature at work!! Glad you are home safe and sound..No birds for me to share this week...
ReplyDeleteMaybe he should symbolize recycle as opposed to rebirth ... then sitting on top of a grave would make perfect sense :) At first when I saw your Barn Swallow I thought ah ha ... finally, we have something in common, but alas it is not to be. Not only is your Barn Swallow from Scotland, it doesn't really look like my Barn Swallow. I think we are just doomed to live in different worlds with different birds. So glad you are home safe and sound albeit a bit tired. I remember, only too well, the effect of jet lag ... good luck with that. Your pictures are wonderful as always ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
Hi! I enjoyed your post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA lovely series of barn swallow pics Stewart. Happy traveling in Bonnie Scotland. Hope it's not all business.
ReplyDeleteone of my favorite bird...
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart - lovely shot - I have not been to the Orkney Isles but I have been to Shetland close by - so much to see - take care - Jane
ReplyDeleteWish I had some of them around here...love their flight patterns!!! ...:)JP
ReplyDeleteExcelente trabalho e belas fotografias.
ReplyDeleteUm abraço.
Andarilhar
Excellent captures of these guys, Stewart. We have barn swallows, cliff swallows and cave swallows here. All very similar. Here's to a more restful week!
ReplyDeleteStewart, swallows and summer - a perfect fit. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great to see them back here for Summer. Hope your trip allowed lots of time for birding,
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful bird, Stewart. I especially like the one with them sitting on the roof.
ReplyDeletebeautiful bird,Stewart,thanks for sharing & hosting,phyllis
ReplyDeleteOne of the prettiest birds, in my opinion. Glad you've got some nice weather!
ReplyDelete