Following the monthly meeting of the
Rutas y Caminos de la Sal in the Casa Forestal at La Mata, the
members and some of the public were entertained by an excellent video
which tells of the life cycle of the swallows which come here every
year. Justo, the bird expert at the Natural Park described the long
and difficult migration these birds make each year, always returning
to the same nest, which they then repair if possible. Their
offspring have to find their own places to nest build! We saw the
little ones being fed in turn, a most exhausting process for the
parents which make 400 journeys per day to the nest. Then as they
grew bigger, we saw their attempts to fly. Many do not survive the
journey. To close the day, we took turns in looking at the nest;
these birds are so used to being around people that they are not
alarmed by this. There followed a short video about their life and
migration which was produced by SEO/Birdlife (Sociedad Española de
Ornotologia), since 2014 was “the Year of the Swallow”. A most
interesting morning which was enjoyed by all.
Thanks again to Jenny for this post!
PS After the talk Justo led a walk to the Acequion (canal) where we were treated to some bird watching through his powerful binoculars.
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