Swift half news - 18th April 2010

• Woodpigeon nest found in ivy-clad tree in garden - with young. This was the nest the local female hawk was checking out a few days ago.
• Jays have started taking nesting material to a fir tree within view of the garden.
• Even though swallows have been in the county for exactly a month now (in small numbers) -FIVE passed through the garden this afternoon, all from the southeast.
• Male and female hawk aerial courting above the garden this afternoon.
• Another tree bumblebee spotted today - checking out the chicken coop. NOT a good place for a bumblebee nest!
• Glorious weather over this weekend - pretty well unbroken sunshine and two hot air balloons over the garden tonight.