Like many may have lately, we have looked at some of Dr Michael Mosely’s books. This morning I took one bit of his advice and headed out for an early walk down the lane and then around part of the village.
It was a cracking start to the day with not a single cloud in the sky and very little chill in the air. The bright sun intensified the colours of the scenery and the only sounds were of an array of birds and my feet treading on the sandy track and village tarmac.
I was rewarded with a very special moment. Walking up one of the little villages lanes, the ironstone church was lit up, almost orange in the sun. Flying and chasing around the steeple were ten or so swifts. At first they flew silently, sometimes slowly on their flickering wings and other times chasing in small packs circling the tower. Then came their screams; the sound I long for all winter and which lasts in our skies for far too few summer weeks. I stood there for a few minutes lost in the screams and effortless wings; a short spell cast by this perfect midsummer moment.
Daft Mumblings 
Beautiful Pete. I felt the same this morning with up tp 10 Swifts knocking at the nests and screaming around my house (and still are!) I wonder if the screaming and knocking is anything to do with excitement, defence or shear joy of new chicks as the pair who are sitting are always at the opening looking out and seem to encourage the screamers outside.Last night there were up to 20 in screaming parties over the churhc and my house – oh, and I have discovered that for the first time in more than 12 years, a box I put on the side of No.7 is occupied making 7 pairs breeding this year with 3 in my house, 3 n the church and No.7. A great year. Fingers crossed for a good number of fledglings. The Swifts are definitely back to the village for good !
That’s great news! I’ve seen far more swifts around the village this year than any previous three summers that we’ve lived here and there might be a pair somewhere amongst the houses near to us.