Hi

Sarah (and Tippy) here

Tippy is in for a very ‘lucky’ summer! The first two swallows arrived back a week last Saturday. I was in Tippy’s stable and I thought, I recognise that sound and looked up and there they were – none the worse for their long journey home.

Over the last week more birds have arrived back, at guess there are about 20 now, all very noisy and determined to get the best nesting spot. Unfortunately for Tippy, one pair has decided to build their des-res, chick-rearing home on the middle of the beam slap bang above her head. They’ve already covered her rug in droppings and I’ve started wearing a cap while I muck out. It looks like we’re both gonna get covered in swallow muck over the next few months while they’re nesting and raising their family (they might even get two families in). So, by my reckoning Tippy and I are going to be very lucky indeed this summer!

I always look forward to the swallows arriving each spring – they do a great job fly-catching over Tippy’s field – but I’ve got a feeling I will be very pleased to see them leave again this autumn!

Bye