Na gobhlain gaoithe - The Swallows - Svalene

For about three years - approximately the same time period over which I had been repairing the boat – a pair of swallows have been nesting high in the cross-beams of the shed, right over where I had been working. They have been incredibly understanding, tolerant neighbours – not filing a single complaint even with the whine of electric planers, the angry scream of a grinder or even the incessant bangbangbangbang of clinking (clenching). And if Radio nan Gaidheal or similar was blaring out across the boatyard, occasionally one of the swallows would let out a torrent of chattering chirping – but whether in appreciation of the likes of Ian “Costello” MacIver, or to warn them off – I’m not sure why. They would only ever become distressed if there were a throng of boat-interested people crowding the doorway. It only needed one person to move out of their way, and then they would happily zoom in at breakneck speed, just avoiding your ear, to bank and turn, shooting up to the nest and then flapping, hummingbird-like, to carefully negotiate into the nest and feed the chicks. The pair of them would be at it continuously, alternatively zipping out on short trips to swoop and dive collecting insects, and back again into the shed to feed their young. I got perfectly used to the “whoof” sound of one narrowly passing my head. Their co-ordination at speed must be amazing.

Then, after both clutches had been hatched and flown, they would set off on their autumn journey over land and sea to warmer climes – maybe to Europe, maybe as far as South Africa. I read that some experienced birds may be able to return in about five weeks at a speed of about 300km per day! I’m sure they will continue to return, and their offspring continue to shite on the boat from their nest!


http://www.bto.org/ for migration stuff