On the morning of 3 May 2024, I walked into the Poppy House and collided with a swallow. During the six months we have encountered each other in the doorway, Andy and Flo have always deftly swerved out of my way. I found myself standing in the kitchen with a swallow on my head! It scrabbled around in my hair, found its footing, and jettisoned out the front door. I followed it outside and to my delight saw four swallows playing with the wind.
Andy and Flo had been trying to encourage their young to come out of the secure feathered nest for days. This giant leap into the unknown was met with much resistance. It was such a beautiful sight to see them overcome their reluctance and take wing. On the following morning, more joy as I witnessed a third baby discover its courage. I had to rescue it from the windowsill and help it outside. The Poppy House became very busy with 5 swallows, 3 dogs, 1 human and the occasional naughty chicken. What once was a comfy nest was steadily getting overcrowded and the angels above my head got quite rowdy!
After the loss of the first three babies, what delight it was to see Andy and Flo patiently coaxing their live young into the next chapter of their lives. For a few days they stayed close to the house and rested in between flights, the smallest retreating to the nest only to be encouraged out again by mom and dad. As they became stronger, what fun to see my five missiles shoot from the nest and out the front door in the mornings. The swallows began disappearing for the entire day coming home later and later.
In this period, I discovered the culprits who destroyed the first batch of babies. Since Andy and Flo moved in, a pair of sneaky sparrows have been hanging about, becoming more relentless in their desire to take over Andy and Flo’s nest. Luckily, they are not as at ease with me as my swallows are, and this time around, I was more vigilant, and Andy fiercely fought them off.
On the 16th of May 2024, Andy, Flo and Co did not come home. My little birds are travelling to their summer land. What a privilege these last six months have been to share my life with these trusting, magical (and very clean) swallows. My thoughts are with them every day for a safe journey and a kind, welcoming human on the other side. I will hold down the fort and when spring rolls round again I will be here waiting in anticipation for our happy reunion.
