Swallow production line

Our original swallow wasn't too daunted by the intruder who built on his old nest: he simply started building a new one- on top of the seive! So, I had to buy a new one- sheltering wildlife gets expensive! The rather tatty nest in the eaves of the cabin from last summer fell down during the winter, but the swallows were still determined to rebuild, so we made it easier for them by nailing up a rough shelf. They kept up a constant shrill attack while we were doing it- a four syllable shout which sounds like "Get out the way!" They still do it now, whenever anyone goes into the cabin or the carport. However- they have good reason, as there are at least four babies in the carport nest, and three in the cabin, and so many mouths need a lot of stuffing!

Garden in Gear for Summer- just revving up

First swallow of the season

His nest has been built on by somebody else

Our first swallow arrived today, only to find that his nest has been taken over by squatters. I wonder what he's going to do?

Avril has been here today and started our new vegetable beds.  Can't wait to start planting cabbages and things!

Flowers are bursting out all over, and Daisy the dog does her best to distract us all and get us to throw her ball.

Swallows and Amazonite

Not long back from a mind blowing trip through the Rockies, and expecting the swallows gone, I was thrilled to see over thirty gathered on the wires above the garage this morning. They are obviously thinking of going, and who can blame them as the grey clouds gather over Skidder, and mist forms on the inside of the glass!



Visually, the trip was mind-blowing and gave me lots of ideas for painting and jewellery, so I can see a busy winter coming up. The amazing subtle colours of glacial ice and the astonishing blues and greens and greys of glacier fed rivers and lakes, to say nothing of the patterns, inspired jewellery ideas, so I looked for gemstones that could echo and reflect these colours. What I found was a stone I hadn't come across before: amazonite- it looks like chunks of ice.


And labradorite, with its elusive iridescence, watery moonstones, and ancient looking turquoise can also add their subtle notes. One pair of earrings made so far- watch this space!

More bird news

The last four baby swallows ventured out of the nest yesterday, and flew today.



Meanwhile, a baby blue tit took a shower... and was having a great time until a big boy came along, and pushed him out. Is the usurper looking around to see if Mum is going to tell him off?

Swallow Central Update

This is the latest nest, and the five eggs have produced four chicks- at least I can only see four. (You can only see three in these pics) However, the nest is so small that another one might be underneath! Mum and Dad have to sleep on the floor so to speak, or in this case on the end of the ladder which hangs right by their hastily thrown together homestead. As far as I can tell, the whole family crowds into the nest at night, sitting on each other's heads. At least, that is what family no 1 do. It looks like this lot will be ready to fly in a week or so. Watch this space!

Baby Bird Production Line

For the last two years, we have had the privelege of swallows nesting in our carport. They have come back now for the third year, and have just raised their first brood of three. However, we were thrilled when another pair made an untidy nest under the eaves of the cabin- and their four are now zooming around after insects like mini flying hoovers, and screaming at us indignantly when we go in and out of the cabin! Now though, we have a third nest- under the carport again, but on top of a pile of pots. So far they have five eggs. Production figures are creeping up!