Red-rumped Swallow at Walmsley sanctuary Cornwall 16th March 2023

 

 

A day of heavy showers and low mist and drizzle brought in my first spring migrants at our reserve Walmsley sanctuary.

Not only that though as one of them was a rare Red-rumped Swallow which has probably overshot its northely migration and missed the Mediterranean region completely.

It was in the company of about 20 Sand Martins, a day late for me as I usually reckon on them being on the River Camel on the 15th March!

A photo hit Facebook earlier of a swallow and then the jungle drums started and there was talk of it being a Red-rumped so I thought I'd best make an effort and get myself down to the reserve.

Sure enough when I arrived I found the bird feeding high over the tower hide and it seemed to be flying differently to our normal swallows so I rattled off a few photos just for record shots. Luckily I caught a few of the distinctive markings which proved that it was indeed a Red-rumped.

 

Apologies for the quality of the photos but the weather was shocking and the bird was flying high in the mist, however I am really pleased to be able to show proof of another good bird for the reserve.