The first welcome sight of swallows returning to Blanche Meadow came on 11th April – a few days later than last year. I wonder if the sudden cold snap has delayed them or was it just ours? Has anyone else in the village seen them earlier? At the moment we just have a couple which are usually followed a few days later by the main crowd. The sound of their incessant chattering always evokes thoughts of summer. I expect the next thing will be a sighting of our own familiar species of Fotografus J.F.Sessionatus or should that be Sessionata?
Patti
PARWICH.ORG 
I think I like the male version best. John F-S.
Just starting to get concerned now as it is a week since the first swallow returned and there is no sign of its usual companions. Each morning the poor little fellow sits on top of the weathervane and sings his heart out ( actually it’s more like tweeting and chattering than singing) as if he is saying ‘ here I am, where are you?’ No replies!
Okay – we are happy now, at least two pairs are busily inspecting nests to make their choice for this year.
I have been following another blog where there has been a large thread following the return of swallows nationwide and it appears that many people have reported a more erratic return than usual. Perhaps that sudden cold weather did delay their final leg over Europe. I am always amazed at how far these little birds fly each year to get back to us. Now all we need is the sun!