I NEVER feel that summer has arrived until I see the swallows wheeling overhead and it’s a comforting thought that they were almost certainly born here, for swallows are known to return to the place of their birth. These insect-eaters normally arrive here in the third week of April, although a couple of years ago one solitary swallow perched on our chimney for several hours on April Fool’s Day. He was presumably going further north, after a much-needed rest.
The thought that these small birds have crossed the Sahara Desert on their journey from Africa makes them even more welcome. Swallows and house martins are closely related members of a family known as the hirundines. Swallows have slender bodies, long pointed wings and deeply forked tails so they are more aquiline and elegant than house martins. Male swallows with longer tails are more attractive to the female of the species. Swallows raise two broods and the first brood go on to help to feed the second.
House martins look very similar, but their tails are shorter and their flight much more fluttery. They tend to arrive a week or two after the swallows here.
Denne historien er fra May 16, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra May 16, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
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A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters