Beautiful Birds
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009 at 6:18 pm
In the eaves of our cottage are two carefully constructed mud nests. Each morning this summer I have opened my bedroom window to see and hear the chattering of a family of house martins. These elegant fast moving birds are a marvel as they dip and dive.
While house martins can be seen across the UK their numbers have dropped over recent years and so they are on the RSPB’s Amber list of birds to be protected where possible. For that reason we took great care not to disturb them during some recent property repairs. Soon they will be gone as it is almost time to take the long flight to a warmer place in Africa. It amazes me that tiny fledglings born in late Spring have in such a short period not only learned to fly fast and accurately, but have grown sufficiently to undertake the long journey south. In winter when the days are shorter and colder I will think about about these brave little birds - and I hope they return next spring.
I am working on a new greeting card range at the moment and I hope to include tiny silhouettes of these inspiring elegant little birds.
August 25th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Oh, I am picturing it now as clearly as if I was standing there myself…Looking forward to seeing your latest work as always.
Tina
August 25th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Last year if you remember the nestlings did not survive. This year I have counted five….. and they have been very vocal each morning!! Adam our builder was so careful working around them - the front face of the cottage has now been re-pointed.
I will post the new illustration featuring the birds once completed. It will be part of a new commissioned range.