Or so the saying goes. But do two?

24204 - Swallow, Pontlliw

Probably not if the plummeting temperatures this evening are anything to go by. I spotted the above pair of Swallows sitting on telegraph cables on the drive back from having my hair cut this morning. Unfortunately I didn’t have my camera with me at the time so walked the couple of miles back to the location after first returning home to collect it. I wasn’t really expecting them to still be in the same place but to my delight they were. Judging by the length of the tail feathers I think this is probably a male and a female and they looked well settled. The male in particular was very showy allowing me to get my best photos to date of these spectacular birds.

24201 - Swallow, Pontlliw
24203 - Swallow, Pontlliw

Closer to home a Wood Pigeon was pulling some moves, again from an overhead cable.

24198 - Wood Pigeon

We may often moan about pylons and cables spoiling the view as they crisscross our landscape, but the birds certainly seem to make the most of them. I have even read that the removal of these handy perches has actually made it harder to watch spring migration in action from places such as Strumble Head in Pembrokeshire, as the birds now just fly straight over and carry on inland. It’s funny how our efforts to return areas to a more natural state can have unexpected impacts such as this.


16 Comments

Amila Kanchana · April 17, 2011 at 8:45 am

Beauty!

holdingmoments · April 17, 2011 at 4:16 pm

Lovely shots of the Swallows Adam. Had a few here recently.

Springman · April 17, 2011 at 4:59 pm

Great point. Birds do no complain, they adapt! Excellent photographs Adam.

theconstantwalker · April 18, 2011 at 9:58 pm

I saw my first Swallow in Cheshire last week. Lovely to see them back.

Adam Tilt · April 19, 2011 at 8:44 am

Amila, Keith – thanks very much.

Springman – They certainly do. More than we realise sometimes.

Andrew – It's great to have them back.

BirdingMaine · April 20, 2011 at 12:42 pm

WOW, beautiful captures of the Swallows!

FAB · April 20, 2011 at 3:08 pm

Great to see this migrant back here on the wing. Excellent shots Adam.

Unknown · April 20, 2011 at 3:11 pm

They're all great shots Adam!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Caroline Gill · April 20, 2011 at 4:37 pm

You must be pleased with these, Adam – so crisp. I'm wondering if you have read 'A Single Swallow'? I mean to read it soon …

Sondra · April 20, 2011 at 10:05 pm

I hadnt thought of that at all DUH..thanks for that thought–Im always yelling at the poles YOU're IN The Way!! lol
SWEETTT photos–love that long tail~

Anonymous · April 20, 2011 at 11:46 pm

These are all marvelous shots Adam! Those Swallows are beautiful with their long tails and iridescent feathers. I love the picture of the Wood Pigeon posturing for you! Great point about the overhead wires!

Bill S. · April 21, 2011 at 2:07 am

It is springtime and all the birds are putting on a show. Love the post. Boy thos swallows have long tails compared to here.

tiptoethruphylsgarden.blogspot.com · April 21, 2011 at 3:52 am

I`m always moaning & groaning over the lines in the way,but you are correct.
Great shots,so glad that they waited on you to get your camera,phyllis

eileeninmd · April 21, 2011 at 10:15 am

They are pretty swallows with their long tails. Wonderful photos.

Adam Tilt · April 21, 2011 at 10:41 pm

Wow thanks everyone for your kind comments.

Unknown · April 26, 2011 at 6:50 pm

Fantastic tail! Great photos and interesting blog.

Leave a Reply to BirdingMaine Cancel reply