The Swallows have moved in too. They love this boat. I’m not sure whether they are Welcome Swallows or Barn Swallows. They are a bit of a nuisance because they built a massive nest structire out of mud last year. Apparently they tend to return each year to the same sites.

Compare them to this one

There were a lot of them!

I’m not sure whether these are Welcome Swallows of Fairy Martins. Last year we had Fairy Martins flying around in the same spot. I could tell by their distinctive mud bottle nests, under the eave of the barge. This year they are nesting underneath the deck of the barge and I’m not brave enough to jump into the water, swim around and take a look underneath.

I enjoyed my early morning watching them flit around and around, catching insects. After quite some practice I managed to get some photos of the birds in flight. Here are a few sketches.

More pics to come tomorrow. Next time with colour.