Probably Martinborough’s first and only high-rise ‘apartment’ has been built in town and was occupied straight away. A pair of welcome swallows, using beaks full of damp mud, took about ten days to construct their half-cup shaped nest onto a sheltered wall near the square. A protruding tap provided convenient extra support. The swallows will have lined their nest with feathers and are removing all dirt and waste by throwing it over the side.
Birds have two or three families over the September – March season and Martinborough’s colourful couple are currently raising their second set of four chicks. Both mum and dad are keeping very busy catching insects [in flight] to feed the hungry mouths. They can be seen often darting about in rapid zigzag motion to and from the nest.
It will be interesting to see if a third family is raised; but with a long summer and autumn likely in Martinborough, the chances are good.
