There are a multitude of birds to observe when you stay in the Yorkshire Dales. In addition to the annual migration of ground nesting birds that come to breed by the river and in the sheltered pastures above the cottage swallows and house martins also return each year. House martins sometimes nest in window recesses at Hillcrest Cottage. These photos of swallows & their chicks were taken at Pry House Farm. The low wooden beams and stone lintels in the original farm buildings near the house make perfect nesting sites for these acrobatic little birds.

Bad weather can hamper the parenting of hatchlings. Driving rain makes it difficult for the parent birds to gather food for hungry mouths. Strong winds buffer and bash the adult birds as they adjust their approach to an open doorway to gain access to the nest.

The swallow’s nests are always the easiest to find. The adult bird’s acrobatics and constant swooping and gliding into buildings tends to give the game away. Other nesting places are more difficult to spot. The to-ing and fro-ing of parent birds with beakfuls of insects & grubs are a bit of a give-away. Other native British garden birds to look out for are thrush, blackbird, goldfinch, wagtails and wren. Springtime is a busy time!

Do you have a favourite?